Hi, yesterday I did (or at least tried) the d’Aujour workout and after the first four intervals at ~135% FTP, during the recovery period, my right calf cramped up badly. Now the thing is I never cramped while cycling (and I can’t recall when running either), didn’t train from monday till thursday. However, the only “science” backed cause seems to be over exertion of the muscles. Even with those rest days could it be possible I hadn’t recovered well ? The end of the last intervals were hard (my cadence did drop from 107 RPM to 98 at the end) but for this type of workout shouldn’t it be expected ? Furthermore, I tried to do an easy workout today (50 to 65% FTP), but I stopped after 30 minutes because I sensed some tension in my calf and didn’t want to make things worse.
Does anybody have an idea of the cause ? Also, how should I train these next days, should I avoid workouts or are endurance ones okay ?
I can’t find much on the web so any help would be much appreciated.
Well not 135% for 1m20 but 120/125% yes in VO2 max workouts like Boltinghouse. I also did the Titsey -3 one 2 weeks ago which consists of 7 sprints at 225% for 20 seconds.
Was the workout recommended through a training plan or TrainNow? Was it marked productive or stretch?
I’m a fairly conservative rider as a triathlete but I’m not sure I’ve ever cramped on the trainer having used TR for seven years. If it did happen to me, I would be blaming something in the prior week; fatigue, nutrition, etc
I’m still finding it hard to imagine making myself cramp though, particularly given that you’ve ramped up to these efforts. Done any DIY, running or hiking recently? Maybe sweating all the salt out of your body in the sun/massive hangover?
I would flag that workout as maximal effort/did not complete (intensity)
I would rest the following day, do some recovery work and think about eccentric calf raises as part of your strength/conditioning routine
Magnesium at night helps, but gently stretching that muscle that cramped for a few days would go a long way to recovery. Like was said, a cramp can tear muscle. Last thing you want to do is push that muscle again soon after this. You might need a couple days off the trainer/bike, just in case.
Nope didn’t do any sport or notable activity prior to that. I Mixed myself a 650ml isotonic drink bottle and drank half during the workout, so I think I had a minimum of electrolytes. You’re right maybe I should do more strength training for the legs, focused too much on the upper body recently.
Many cramp threads here you can read through. Lots of suggestions for cause and prevention, but to save you some time, we don’t know what caused it.
Give yourself a couple of days of easier work, continue to fuel well for future workouts and you should be fine. I am a cramper, but mostly in races. The couple of times over 20+ years of training I have pushed myself to a cramp in training I just look at as a badge of honor. Happy I was able to push myself that hard, and don’t spend too much time worrying about it.
Cramping sucks!! I am sorry you’re dealing with it!
It’s hard to say exactly what caused the cramp as it could’ve been a mix of things like not being fully recovered even after a few rest days, tight muscles, not enough electrolytes, or small changes in how you were pedaling.
Sometimes cramps just happen, even when everything seems fine. Since you’re still feeling it, it’s smart to take it easy for a few days and slowly get back into training with easy rides. If it happens again, then it might be worth looking more closely at your bike fit, recovery, or nutrition.
