What to do About Uncooperative Quads????

Cramps? How is your electrolyte intake?

Without more info it is hard to tell the specifics of what might have happened. Generally, two of the biggest mistakes endurance racers can make that would lead to something like this:

1). Not Pacing Properly (IE, Going out too fast)
2). Nutrition

Improper Pacing will result in accumulated late race fatigue that will force you to slow down. Proper Nutrition delays the onset of fatigue as much as possible, but most often cannot overcome improper pacing.

Note that Pacing includes consideration of both current fitness as well as current conditions. (Temp, Wind, Hills, Humidity)

Some questions:

1). Did you really hammer the bike
2). How did you feel on the run (Was your Nutrition running thin)
3). How was your pacing for the 1st part of the run (Did you go out too fast)
4). How was your Nutrition on the bike and when did you stop eating (To prepare for the run)

I really didn't feel like I hammered the bike, and my nutrition intake seemed to be okay. I just notice that any time I do a long training ride or a longer triathlon event my quads seem to shut down. Literally taking steps becomes agony. I do know that perhaps I don't eat enough during the bike leg, but I hydrate pretty well. Will lack of "food" intake on the bike leg cause the problems I am having? Is it possible that my body is just not cut out for the longer tri's??

Thanks for your feedback all

Were you taking in electrolytes or just water on the bike? Depleting potassium and sodium reserves can certainly wreak havoc with your muscles...

Edited by SuzanneS 2007-04-23 3:07 PM

I'm not sure what you mean by "my quads seem to shut down". Can you be more descriptive? Are the muscles literally not firing? This could be a neurological issue, and not just a fatigue issue. Do you get cramps? If so, this is likely caused by fatigue (the common response to cramps is an electrolyte defficiency, but studies show that fatigue/lack of conditioning is the primary cause)

You mention that it happens in longer tris and on longer bike rides. The quads do a great deal of work during cycling, but the primary role of your quads on the run is to absorb impact and stabilize your knee. Your hip flexors are what fire to lift your leg, and your hamstrings and glutes do most of the work to pull you forward.

You ask if a lack of "food" intake on long rides can cause the problems, and the answer is yes. You need glycogen, especially when doing longer events. And if you're planning on doing an IM (I think you stated that in your initial post), getting your nutrition strategy down is very important.

From a training standpoint, I would be looking at improving cycling fitness and pacing. But without knowing more detail, this is just a guess.

scott