Lower back cramping

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2003-09-22 10:33 AM


7

cincinnati oh
Subject: Lower back cramping
I'm a big competitor at 205 and just completed my first Tri on Saturday (.6, 28, 6.55). I experienced lower back cramping and spasming during the first 1/2 mile of the run and couldn't shake it. Caused me to have a survival run and an average mile around 9.5 min/mile (I'm usually around 8-8.5 on long runs of 4+ miles). This suprised me b/c I felt great on the bike and swim. I did not experience fatigue or cramping in other muscle groups. I was well hydrated and consumed Gatorade and Gels before and throughout the event. I've done "mini" tri's during training to get used to the transition from event to event with no concerns. I'd appreciate any thoughts.


2003-09-22 11:40 AM
in reply to: #923


8

Rye, New York
Subject: RE: Lower back cramping
I know exactly what you mean. I'm also on the large side - 6'4 205 and I also completed a tri this wekend - my 2nd of sprint distance. I began feeling the tightness in my back about 6 miles into the bike and tried working through it. I alternated positions form the aerobars to the drops and back but the pain did not subside so I began "bike stretching" basically standing up with my pedals at the 9 and 3 O'Clock and trying to stretch my lower back. It felt better for a few minutes but continued cramping and almost caused me to stop. Eventually I finished the bike and did a long push up style back stretch in T2 which helped.

I feel your pain and I guess my particular cramps were a result of the bike position I was using. In training I rarely stayed in the aero position for that prolonged a period so I guess my lower back muscles weren't used to that. I'm going to work on lower back in the gym more and spend more time in that position on the bike. - Hope it helps
2003-09-22 3:29 PM
in reply to: #923

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Champion
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Subject: is your bike fit well?

has your bike been properly fitted?   (seat height w/respect to rest of body/bike)  BARRING that, u did not mention if this happened to u when training - were u doing all 28 miles on the bike?  if your first tri saw your highest bike mileage, then maybe u just were'nt used to it.  if your bike is fitted properly then time in the saddle may be all u need(plus some stretching.)

2003-09-22 8:05 PM
in reply to: #923

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Central Louisiana
Subject: RE: Lower back cramping
I agree with Ron, if this wasn't your first time at this distance, you might need to get your bike checked and make sure you are fit properly on it. In the shorter events or training you might not have noticed it because the muscles weren't pushed to the point they were in your troi on Sat.

Still Tri'n
Michael
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