Paying For My Mistakes
After the bike ride, I could tell that all was not well with my legs - I had some slight pain in both my vastus medialis muscles, that I’ve come to recognise from longer rides / pool session as a symptom of electrolyte problems prior to actual cramping.
After putting the bike away, a quick change into some running shorts, and a bathroom stop (my first since starting this workout 2 1/2 hours ago . . . ), I set off for my run. The training plan had me down for ten miles, but family commitments meant that I was going to cut this short to probably around six miles. I was carrying another gel, another mini Mars bar, and two 500ml bottles of Zym electrolyte replacement drink, with the plan of doing run / walk on roughly a 7:1 minute ratio (every mile). After just over 3 1/2 miles, the leg cramps started, and I had to drop the pace, taking some longer / more frequent walks, and occasional halts to massage the cramp out.
This was not good. BUT I’m pretty sure I know why it happened - it was plain and simply a cock-up on the bike that I paid for on the run. On race day, we will NOT be at home to Mr Cock-up!
Workout:
- Type: Run
- Date: 06/21/2008
- Time: 17:50:30
- Total Time: 00:50:00.00
- Distance: 5.8 miles
- Average Pace: 8:37.24/mile
I want to train for my first triathlon which will be in september. I have some experience with running and biking. I can swim but swimming long distances will be difficult for me. I just bought a new Scott road bike. I love how fast it is compared to the old steel frame bike i used to ride long ago. I took it for a nice 30 mile trek today- my butt is a bit sore but man it handles great. I would love any suggestions on how to begin my triathlon training program. Peace out!
Karl, I think we discussed this, but have you thought about “electrolyte loading” in the days prior to the race and/or big workouts?
I’m not positive it works, but I did not have the widespread cramping issues during my last marathon that I had suffered through previously.
Hi Bill - probably good advice. I’ve just checked my training schedule, and I am in fact down for another brick next weekend (just a week before race day - is that such a good idea . . . ?), so I’ve got the opportunity to practice what you suggest.
Exactly what causes cramps seems to be a bit of a mystery - my swim coach is vague, my doctor categorically says that no-one knows for sure, and if you Goooooogle it, you get more answers than you can shake a stick at. But if this works for me, than that’s what I’ll be doing on race day!