The Dreaded Cramp! how to stop it? mtb

janesssssy · 10 Sep 2010 at 21:13

I’m doing the Brecon Beast. 100km race / challenge.
Gonna keep this brief as getting a little tired, but I always suffer when riding for longer than 50km, So bad in fact I’m nearly in tears!

It’s a real worry On Sunday that probably will ruin my day - I have been told to fill a water bottle and put a small amount of 'rock salt' and put some lemon juice such as jiff. Is this right?

I'll be riding with a 2.5l camel back with Torque energy power. A 1 litre water bottle with a strange salty concoction.

Any other advice or warning for what Im doing?

Bunka · 10 Sep 2010 at 21:15

My mate suffers from cramps a lot generally, he swears by zinc to help with it. Whether that's a solution for long terms rides, i'm not entirely sure, but it wont hurt to take a few anyway!

janesssssy · 10 Sep 2010 at 21:27

What can I buy? Zinc is alittle broad. Its a good start though.
So thankyou.

Ive been reading this:
http://www.cptips.com/muspain.htm

6thElement · 10 Sep 2010 at 22:19

Aim to drink a water bottle of fluid every hour and consume 300 calories. If some of the fluid and calories come from sports drink, then you can make up the rest with water and whatever you like, gels etc. Then you might need to have a suitable supplement, something like these: http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/endurolytes.elt.html?navcat=fuels-energy-drinks

Begbie · 11 Sep 2010 at 18:14

Not sure on the salt, been told that is an old wifes tale?

oddjob62 · 11 Sep 2010 at 18:57

Begbie said:
Not sure on the salt, been told that is an old wifes tale?

I take a Elete Tablytes tablet before i head out and have Nuun in my drink. I used to get cramps pretty much every ride, but now i never get them (even on a recent 130miler)

PCDave · 11 Sep 2010 at 19:14

does this not class as a medical thread?

hux · 11 Sep 2010 at 19:15

http://www.myprotein.co.uk/products/electrolyte_powder

Volcs · 12 Sep 2010 at 09:27

My mate swears by quinine.

janesssssy · 12 Sep 2010 at 21:11

Volcs said:
My mate swears by quinine.

So does mine, but it’s never worked for me. Have you ever downed bottles of tonic water!? No? I don’t recommend it....

Did the Brecon beast - I’ve posted in the bike thread. No cramp at all

2x high5 electrolyte tabs and rock salt. Tasted alright and obviously worked.

janesssssy · 12 Sep 2010 at 21:12

PCDave said:
does this not class as a medical thread?

No, sports nutrition.

VaderDSL · 12 Sep 2010 at 21:20

I use electrolyte powder in my drink now and avoid salts in any snacks I bring along, seems to help me, I sweat a lot anyway and imagine I lose a fair amount of salt over the course of say a 30 mile ride.

fez · 12 Sep 2010 at 21:32

I used to just stick 50/50 orange juice/water and add some salt to it. Helps replace what you have lost through sweating and delays the onset of cramp. Most energy drinks do a similar job.