Bike 2 Run

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2011-04-18 5:41 PM

New user
6

Georgetown, Kentucky
Subject: Bike 2 Run

I'm a long-time runner who is new to triathlons.  I've done 3 sprint triathlons so far, problem is that my lower legs are severely cramping at the end of the bike I can't get into a good rhythm/stride for the run.  Bananas and fluids don't seem to help...suggestions are welcome!

2011-04-18 6:01 PM
in reply to: #3453503

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Extreme Veteran
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Springfield, OH
Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run
Might be a bike fit issue.  Are your toes pointed most of your pedal stroke on the bike?  If so, it's possible your seat is too high, which is causing your toes to be pointed, which might explain the calf cramps off the bike.
2011-04-18 6:18 PM
in reply to: #3453541

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run
apicek - 2011-04-18 5:01 PM

Might be a bike fit issue. Are your toes pointed most of your pedal stroke on the bike? If so, it's possible your seat is too high, which is causing your toes to be pointed, which might explain the calf cramps off the bike.




If the above is not the case, then i would look to bike fitness/pacing.
2011-04-18 6:32 PM
in reply to: #3453503

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Expert
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Vancouver (not Canada) Washington (not D.C.)
Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run
What are you using for pedals? Bike fit should also include cleat placement. Also, what is your swim fitness, I know when I wasn't trained well for the swim and/or the water temp was really cold, I had some major problems with calf cramps from my swim.

One final thing, I've found that if I keep running rather than stopping to stretch things out, I am way better off. Just try to relax, pull back a bit and push through the panic and pain. It is kind of like the roller in that it either gets easier or you just get used to the pain.

Welcome to BT!
2011-04-18 11:46 PM
in reply to: #3453503

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Master
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North edge of nowhere
Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run

I was having a similar problem through last fall. My calves kept cramping very painfully. It started on the bike, then carried-over to my runs. No matter what I did, my calves wouldn't stop cramping.

I did a bunch of things at once, so I don't know what action addressed what problem (I was experiencing some knee pain also). I switched to SpeedPlay pedals (they work well for me, so I'm going to stick with them), got my bike fitted (made such a huge difference in my riding. I could feel the difference immediately), and I also took an involuntary 6ish weeks off from everything (which drove me nuts, but likely helped). I'm also making a point of ingesting more salt. I don't like salty foods much, but it seems I might be lacking.

Not knowing what exactly is causing your cramping, I wouldn't be able to make a specific suggestion. The fitting might make the biggest difference if you've not had that done yet. It's not cheap, but it's totally worth the cost.

2011-04-19 6:03 AM
in reply to: #3453503

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Pro
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, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run
Except for bike fit...

Have you trained the transition from bike to run? You will have "dead" legs in the beginning of the run and you need to get used to running without any real feeling for the first mile or so. To work on the cramping, you need to transition to the run BEFORE you get off the bike... last mile, drop a couple of gears allowing for decreased pressure on the pedals and increased cadence and drink lots of fluids and take on a gel (or your preferred energy source). This will allow you to flush the lactic acid out of your muscles and replenish lost energy/liquid.

2011-04-19 2:48 PM
in reply to: #3453503

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Master
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Denison Texas
Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run

Probably pacing I think but checking your fit seems wise

Stand a few times on the pedals and stretch your legs and calves (drop your heels while standing) then gear down a bit before finishing the bike. Mentally accept the fact that you just won't have the same stride/cadence etc off the bike for the first half mile or mile. I always feel awful straight off the bike but for some reason I consistently run a bit faster off the bike than in a run only situation.

2011-04-19 2:49 PM
in reply to: #3453503

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Master
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Denison Texas
Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run
whoops


Edited by Av8rTx 2011-04-19 2:49 PM
2011-04-19 3:08 PM
in reply to: #3453503

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Pro
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Norwalk, Connecticut
Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run

i would bet you are going too hard on the bike for your bike fitness, i had the same problem, i fixed it by riding...ALOT

highly doubt it is an equipment problem, but i have been wrong before and will be wrong again.

2011-05-02 10:51 AM
in reply to: #3453503

New user
6

Georgetown, Kentucky
Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run
Thanks for all the feedback!
2011-05-02 10:58 AM
in reply to: #3477579

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Expert
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Wilmington, NC
Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run
Tom be a true Hilltopper circa 1996 and tough it out   Laughing

2011-06-27 11:48 AM
in reply to: #3477590

New user
6

Georgetown, Kentucky
Subject: RE: Bike 2 Run

Right on DL!  Following the lead of a Hilltopper great never hurts...unless you follow him down the stairs! 

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