Leg Cramps!?

Tenchiro · Apr 15, 2003

Take a banana with you.

monkeywench · Apr 15, 2003

Yup, bananas for potassium. Some racers I know carry a small packet of salt to make up what they lose in sweat.

Serial Midget · Apr 15, 2003

I have to agree - if you are plannin on slammin a lot this summer try picking up some electrolyte tablets at your local running store. They are cheap and effective. Remember... you need more than water to be properly hydrated.

spincrazy · Apr 15, 2003

Wouldn't hurt to get checked by a doc for blood clots too. Remember that journalist who complained of leg cramps over in Iraq? He died dude.

Not to worry you, I'm sure it's nothing, but it couldn't hurt ya know?

ARmtnBIKER · Apr 15, 2003

In the past every season I had problems with leg cramps because I sweat so much, especially in the heat of the summer. Last year a friend told me about Endurolyte capsules from E-caps/Hammergel and they work great. You take a couple of caps before the ride, then every hour or so pop a few more, or you can mix them in with your water but it makes it taste funky. I dont use them on every ride, just when I race or am doing an epic or endurance type ride. Go to www.hammergel.com and read up on these things if any of you have troubles with cramps, they will help. Also I have had a time or two where I would be riding hard and start to get a cramp, I can take a few of the caps and the cramp will go away, which in the past at this point I would of normally had to quit riding because the cramps would only get worse, no matter how much water I guzzle.

Serial Midget · Apr 15, 2003

I've used them - they are often sponsors of my 50K trail races so we get samples in out goodie bags. GU2O is another excellent source of salt and minerals that mixes into a drink.

On the other hand... a handfulof pretzils and a banana will do the same thing - I just don't like pushing hard with food in my stomach.

Originally posted by ARmtnBIKER
In the past every season I had problems with leg cramps because I sweat so much, especially in the heat of the summer. Last year a friend told me about Endurolyte capsules from E-caps/Hammergel and they work great. You take a couple of caps before the ride, then every hour or so pop a few more, or you can mix them in with your water but it makes it taste funky. I dont use them on every ride, just when I race or am doing an epic or endurance type ride. Go to www.hammergel.com and read up on these things if any of you have troubles with cramps, they will help. Also I have had a time or two where I would be riding hard and start to get a cramp, I can take a few of the caps and the cramp will go away, which in the past at this point I would of normally had to quit riding because the cramps would only get worse, no matter how much water I guzzle.

MtnBikerChk · Apr 16, 2003

Originally posted by VTinCT

I can't stomach nanas during exertion....they don't sit well. I was thinking of bringing some chips along for the break. The salt sounds like a goo didea though. I was sweating to bring a flood.

and bananas generally take more energy to digest than you get from them.

I agree with Serial Guy!

Lost Coyote · Apr 16, 2003

Endurolytes rock!! I too found out about them from ultramarathon runners. I used to get cramps on epic rides of 4 or more hours, after I started using Endurolytes I've not cramped once.

East Coast Mojo · Apr 19, 2003

Originally posted by Tenchiro

Take a banana with you.

OK, so you don't stomach bananas - that's OK! Try packing some tums. Yes, I'm serious! The ones with calcium also have a bunch of other trace minerals which get sweated away and are not so easily replaced by Gu or water alone. I have many riding buds who pack 'em - try it!

suga_stie · Apr 21, 2003

there is new gel out there called "E-Gel". we tried/bought some at Sea Otter..

it contains electrolytes and more water than typical gels.

also contains 50% more in a packet than Gu. it's ALOT to take in at once, but I took some before my race.. The leg cramps held off...

150 calories
several decent flavors...
not as thick as Clif Shots, Gu, etc...

but i still like Gu better!

suga_stie · Apr 24, 2003

no caffiene in the E-gel.. perfect!

Skookum · Apr 25, 2003

LEG CRAMPS!!! Just know it's far from your fault. It's not too difficult to discover who's to blame for this!

indieboy · Apr 25, 2003

Originally posted by Skookum
LEG CRAMPS!!! Just know it's far from your fault. It's not too difficult to discover who's to blame for this!

omg man that is HORRIBLE. now how am i to blame for leg cramps :confused:

Deyv · May 23, 2003

Sorry everyone but I AM the king of leg cramps!

I know that if I am hydrated enough, drink gatorade instead of water on the ride and eat very often(dates) I can prevent them but I will try these endurolyte pills and let you know

thanks!

btw I can get a cramp taking off my socks on a regular day, try and beat that!

Raleighwolf · May 31, 2003

Tums with xtr calcium, especially the fruity ones!!!!

Westy · Aug 5, 2003

Does anyone know if it is easy to get too many electrolytes? If so what are the symptoms. I have had some cramping issues and will probably try some extra electrolyte intake, I just don't want to end up taking too much.

RockTumbler · Aug 6, 2003

Bring banannas yes and TUMS... you will thank me later... that will give you what you need too! Plus they are light!

Leg Cramps!?

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