Monday, December 19, 2011

More supplements to take...

Quick update since last week... seems that my iron levels are all fine.  What I neglected to notice was that I wasn't getting enough magnesium with my "normal" diet.  Hence this week I have been back onto (my "favorite") pineapple Endura,
lots of foods high in magnesium (spinach, almonds, beans, whole grains, fish, apricots, and even dark chocolate)



and the occasional extra supplement.

In addition to the magnesium deficiency, I have also been diagnosed with early Hashimoto's thyroiditis.  My mother had this endocrine problem, and if you have been reading other cycling blogs, you may recall that both Nikki and Sandra have been through it too. 

So onto another medication (which conveniently may NOT be taken at the same time as my iron supplements)... but hopefully in a few weeks / months everything will be back in order.  :)

Monday, December 12, 2011

Good nutrition but muscle cramps... why?

Training is going well, power is improving, lots of miles have been banked in the last few months, so why am I now having an issue with muscle cramps?
Some people never experience them, others get them occasionally, and I seem to be plagued with them on long rides of 3 hours + at the moment.  It's annoying.  You feel good, you put the power down, and your leg muscles lock up.  And they hurt.  Probably worse is the muscle pain and tightness you get the day after the cramps.  I wouldn't be so worried about the cramps if my next race was short, but the problem is that my upcoming race is 3 hours +, so I need to get the muscle-cramp-thing "sorted out" asap.

And before you ask... yes I am seeing a dietician, and yes my diet is good.  Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium intake are all fine, and I am taking in adequate carbohydrates and water.
Even still, several studies have been published, and all of them showed no relationship between any electrolyte levels and the risk of cramping in athletes during exercise.
Some other recent studies (thanks for the links Cycling Tips) showed that distinct risk factors for developing exercise associated muscle cramps (EAMC) include:
- (1) Aggressive pacing strategies (trying to go faster than your current personal best over a set distance)
- (2) Racing at a higher intensity then what you normally ride in training
- (3) Riding for longer than you‘re used to
- (4) Doing another type of exercise you’re not used to (eg. a cyclist running a one-off marathon)...
... and unfortunately none of these really apply to me and the times I get muscle cramps!
Oh well, another trip to the Sports Medicine doctor this week.
Maybe it will be related to my previous Iron deficiency, but right now I'm not so sure it will be.
Or maybe I just need to harden up?