LEG CRAMP

[fudgedog]

Did the etape last weekend, about 10mls from end suffered really bad cramps front thigh both legs, but painfully kept going. Regularly do 50 & 60 mile runs so don't think fitness was the issue. Drank and ate plenty on route but did not take any isotonic drinks could low salt levels have caused it ?

 

[Gary D]

Did the etape last weekend, about 10mls from end suffered really bad cramps front thigh both legs, but painfully kept going. Regularly do 50 & 60 mile runs so don't think fitness was the issue. Drank and ate plenty on route but did not take any isotonic drinks could low salt levels have caused it ?[/QUOTE]

Possibly.

However, I suffer cramp as well. I have done a fair bit of googling to try and find the answer - but there doesn't seem to be a definitive one

The conlcusion I came to (in my case) was that it was caused by dehydration. Not necessarily by not drinking on the ride itself, but by lack of fluids earlier in the day or the day before.
During a ride I probably drink more than most anyway as I sweat a lot but I don't think it can make up for it if you are already dehydrated. Usually I have a 50/50 mix of water and pure orange juice but I always add a Nuun electrolyte tablet as well.
There were a couple of times when I suffered and thought about the potential causes afterwards and realised that I had not drunk enough the previous day.

Just my thoughts anyway!
Gary.

 

[monnet]

I regularly ride 70 miles each Sunday and add in a few high intensity training rides. At the start of this spring, for the first time, I started getting cramps at the 50 mile mark. I couldn't understand as I was eating and drinking the same as I always have done. After a bit of thought, I realised I am probably riding at a (slightly) higher intensity this year. What solved it for me was taking on more fluid (both the day before the ride and energy drink on the ride). I also made sure I ate more regularly on the ride. Since the change I've not, touch wood, suffered from cramp again - just aching legs from steep hills!

 

[Randochap]

Regularly do 50 & 60 mile runs so don't think fitness was the issue.

Different muscle groups.

Drank and ate plenty on route but did not take any isotonic drinks could low salt levels have caused it ?

Yes.