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Help--Post Race Cramps---First Sprint

Joshua24779's picture
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started by Joshua24779 on June 11, 2007

I had severe cramps like a combination of G.I. and someone kicking me between my legs after my first Sprint yesterday. There was no cramping during the race but it lasted for most of the night. I thought it might be a nutrition thing, but I remember hearing water sloshing around in my stomach during the run. I also wore a camelback for the bike.

I think I overhydrated. I used the bathroom (#1) about 10 times post race during the rest of the day and the urine was clear. I did not drink too much water arfterward.

I took 2 Cliff Blocks at T1 and a chocolate gel at T2.

Any thoughts?

UFTriGator's picture
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UFTriGator posted 1 year ago.

It could be overhydrating. It could also just be your body being in a little bit of shock from working so hard in the heat (assuming it was hot where you are). I had a bit of hyponacemia once and it felt like that. That could also explain the peeing....your body trying to increase the electrolyte concentration in your blood by lowering the amount of water. What was in your camelback?

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Triguy98's picture
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Triguy98 posted 1 year ago.

One can expect a lot of cramping and pain after thier first race. I was in a world of hurt for a couple days after my first two races- but I am also the type that leaves everything on the course.
You just might have overhydrated. Cut back on your fluid intake and take it nice and easy for the next couple days. Increasing your salt intake may help?

Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.

Joshua24779's picture
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Joshua24779 posted 1 year ago.

Water-probably the problem

Star's picture
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Star posted 1 year ago.

If you drank too much water, maybe it threw your electrolytes out of whack, which will cause cramping and GI problems. Did you take any electrolyte suppliments during the race?

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Joshua24779's picture
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Joshua24779 posted 1 year ago.

I did not, what would you suggest?

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Star posted 1 year ago.

Joshua24779;70863 wrote:
I did not, what would you suggest?

Well, I use only Hammer Nutrition ...so I'd recommend Hammer Endurolytes. You want a combo of different minerals, not just sodium. I'm in Florida, and I need 3-4 tabs per hour in the summer because its so blasted hot and humid. In MI, you would most likely need less, however you need to determine how much water weight you lose during exercise and go from there.

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catwood posted 1 year ago.

I don't think that is that its too unusual to feel simply awful after a race, especially your first one. A few more electrolytes would probably have helped you a little.

I believe that the important marker of good fitness is recovery time, not necessarily speed. As you build up your fitness base, your recovery from races will get easier.

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Joshua24779 posted 1 year ago.

Went to my local bike shop and got some Hammer Electrolytes. Am going to try 1 capsule pre-race. The bottle suggests 1-3. Any suggestions on how far before the race I should take one?

Also, picked up some HEED for the bike portion and will try that. Will let all know how it goes.

I think my recovery was fine (i felt good except for the cramps) and fitness is good--I think it was lack of electrolytes.

Thanks for the help!!!!

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Star posted 1 year ago.

Hey good luck! You can take the tab with your pre-race meal. Also, depending on the heat up there, during the bike and run....and I know that HEED has some already in the mix too. Like I said before, you'll need to figure out how many you require, depending on your sweat rate and the temps. Every day is a learning experience ;) Have fun!!!

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CarbonK posted 1 year ago.

Yeah, I would suggest trying something like Gatorade or Powerade instead of water during a lot of the race. Helps to maintain the proper electrolyte balance and is an easy way to get a few extra calories in while you ride to help fuel your run. You may also want to consider adding another gel or two into you nutrition plan while you race. Most Olympic tris are 2-3 hours of excursion, which is a lot on 160 calories.

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Joshua24779 posted 1 year ago.

Well, I raced my second spring with the Hammer Eletrolyte tab (only 1) and took it easy on the water and felt great!

1:19 and 4th in my age group (30-34).

I think I've solved the problem.

Thanks for all of the input.