Beginning of T3

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2008-08-10 4:16 PM

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Subject: Beginning of T3
At first I never thought about it. Now I think the calf cramp/tightness at beginning of run is related to the event and not my lack of training/fitness. So, my question is this, does anyone else have this? and 2, does anyone finish T2 with calf stretches?

2008-08-10 4:33 PM
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Master
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Houston, TX
Subject: RE: Beginning of T3
What is your training and fitness level? Then what is your pacing in a tri(going too hard)? Also, what is your nutrition in a race?

I'd bet it's a pacing or nutrition issue.
2008-08-10 4:42 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Beginning of T3
I wonder if its a nutrion issue also.

do you really use your calves much on the bike? also makes me wonder if you have tight calf muscles that you need to work out regardless of the race.
2008-08-10 5:04 PM
in reply to: #1592951

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Wayne, NJ
Subject: RE: Beginning of T3
I have the same problem, I have race in 4 Sprints this year and have had a issue with my calf in all but one. I have started A.R.T. to help with stretching and to work out a old injury. Its the only thing holding me back from finishing the season with a Oly distance. For me I am not sure what the problem is, it started after I switched to good running shoes to help me with a knee injury. It could be the shoes or that I injured it durning my 1st Tri and have not giving it enough time to heel. I just giving myself 2 weeks off from running and are going to switch back to my old running shoes this week and see what happens.
2008-08-10 5:25 PM
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Elite
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DC Metro, slowly working my way to NC
Subject: RE: Beginning of T3

likeastrike - 2008-08-10 5:16 PM At first I never thought about it. Now I think the calf cramp/tightness at beginning of run is related to the event and not my lack of training/fitness. So, my question is this, does anyone else have this? and 2, does anyone finish T2 with calf stretches?

I don't usually have problems with my calves, but my quads are usually really tight.  I find that taking the extra time in T2 to stretch them a bit before heading out really makes a difference.

2008-08-10 5:27 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Beginning of T3
My calves are normally tight going into the run after a bike (training too).  But after about a mile they work themselves out and feel good.  Maybe think about taking a gel pack a little earlier in your bike and don't forget that water to help digest the gel pack.

2008-08-10 6:03 PM
in reply to: #1592951

Regular
59
2525
South Carolina
Subject: RE: Beginning of T3

Good answers and thanks. I am fit enough for the sprint tris. Just finished my 3rd this season with one next week. It is just the initial transition to the run. I will do a short brick this week and use pedals to do a fast stretch and see.

Not shoes. I don't think as it goes away after about a 1/2 mile to mile and then I can lenghten my strides.

Not nutrition for same reasons as they are just during the initail running.

I definately tend to the tighter muscled group and do have to stretch daily to maintain any flexibiltiy. However, as I posted, just he beginning of the run is the issue. Sounds isolated to me. I thought it may have been a "classic" symptom of the transition.

2008-08-10 6:43 PM
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Master
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Houston, TX
Subject: RE: Beginning of T3
Are you sure? I tend to cramp up in my calfs when I transition to running at first if I don't take in enough on the bike. Yes, even on sprints. Yes it does go away, but it's still due to a nutrition/pacing issue.

When I increase my intake(typically salt for me) I can keep the same pace and not cramp/get tight in the calf on the first part of the run. Or I can go easier, saving it for the run.

It could be a cleat position issue, as in it being too far forward, but I doubt it. You shouldn't be stretching in transition. If don't want to even consider this being an issue, fine.. but I think you should. You should change up what you take, maybe making your self take in more than you're comfortable with. Also, try just going out for a ride at easy or moderate pace and see how you run off of that.

Edited by smilford 2008-08-10 6:49 PM
2008-08-10 11:01 PM
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Pro
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Subject: RE: Beginning of T3
I did two sprints on back-to-back days and had this problem at both events, but to a lesser extent on the second one. I think this is due to much more stretching in the evening and morning before the event, plus sipping on sports drink the night before/morning of. I'll say +1 for nutrition and stretching/massage.
2008-08-10 11:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Beginning of T3
Stretch on the bike doing 16+mph vs sitting on your ...  For the last mile on the bike I start standing up a bit, coasting, and stretching the calves.  Spin it out a bit too.  Just hate to see dead time like that.
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