Great read. Thanks for this content. I recently did a race simulation and had the same issue with adductors cramping right towards the end. Will be interesting to see how you tackle that. I wasn't sure if I needed more sodium or to improve downhill endurance.
For me I think it is a strength thing. I don't think there is good evidence that cramps are due to sodium in endurance events. Maybe on occasion - but mostly I think it is a sign the muscles have been overworked. I haven't cracked the code of how to prepare my legs for a race like this - apart from running more hills (which is difficult when you don't live near any big ones!). Faster downhills help, which is what I tried to do in some long runs.
I did about 40 mins in a 40 deg bath for about two weeks before the race. A couple of days off during that and stopped 3 days before. About 15 baths total.
Super interesting and well written 👍
Very interesting and thorough. Thank you for taking the time to set it out. I take a lot from your write-ups.
Great read. Thanks for this content. I recently did a race simulation and had the same issue with adductors cramping right towards the end. Will be interesting to see how you tackle that. I wasn't sure if I needed more sodium or to improve downhill endurance.
For me I think it is a strength thing. I don't think there is good evidence that cramps are due to sodium in endurance events. Maybe on occasion - but mostly I think it is a sign the muscles have been overworked. I haven't cracked the code of how to prepare my legs for a race like this - apart from running more hills (which is difficult when you don't live near any big ones!). Faster downhills help, which is what I tried to do in some long runs.
Could you share a little more about your hot bath protocol?
I did about 40 mins in a 40 deg bath for about two weeks before the race. A couple of days off during that and stopped 3 days before. About 15 baths total.
never underestimate the need for legs conditioned to descend in long races !!
Yeah, that's been the hardest thing to figure out transitioning from flatter stuff.