[Jabba96]

My past two Ironman races I’ve started out with a great swim and a great bike. Until 80-90 miles. I get leg cranps that continue throughout rhe marathon. My energy level is fine. I assumed it was dehydration After the 1st race so I made sure to drink more the 2nd race and I still got then. It’s possible it’s sodium but I don’t think I’m that far off on nutrition. I don’t believe that I’m going too hard but it’s possible as well.Is there any way to tell based on field what is causing cramps?

I am using (level 2 power/power) and my times for Maryland and Mont Tremblant were around 11:30.

[Charles]

This study is kind of dated, but it may give some clues https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445088/

There are several suggestions in the article. If you have hydration nailed, it may be an issue that might be addressed in training with some stretching/mobility work, or at transition points during events.

Training/Racing with power tracking might give some further clues if the cause is neural muscular fatigue…

[Jabba96]

Thank you. I used a power meter in both races. Although Mont Tremblant has some hills were my power went higher- I stayed near the top end of Zone 2 mainly. I will look into more stretching

[Jabba96]

Is there anyone else that has experienced this? I just signed up for my 4th full. It’s frustrating to think I may end up in the same situation again. I am trying to reevaluate everything that could of gone wrong. Training, nutrition, bike fit ect.

[Author]

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