Tree trunk calves... [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Brandi

03-12-2006, 09:31 AM

I guess it is possible you strained it. I would but some heat on it and rest a day or two.Take some asprin. If the pain is worse or travels go see your Dr. Not to scare you but blood clots can start in the calf. But if messaging it and adding heat help I would say it's muscle. Do you know if you did anything to it that you remember? Doesn't sound like you remember though. How big is your calf, I bet it's not as big as you think. Here I will measure mine (measuring calf) mine is 14 inches. Now that seems big to me.:p

Trek420

03-12-2006, 09:43 AM

Happy~biker,

you didn't say if you rode the day before? I cramp if I:
don't warm up first
don't cool down after, spin the last few miles or last bit of a ride flushes out lactic acid I think
don't spin/that is if I mash big gears
and/or don't stay hydrated properly fed before/during and after.

I especially notice it if I don't get enough potassium

OY, this sport is so complicated. :p good thing there's TE, eh?

Lots of threads around here and help about nutrition

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/forumdisplay.php?f=64

happy~biker

03-12-2006, 02:24 PM

Hi Brandi-

Well...I've got you beat by 1/2"...Maybe that's a good size for being buff.:D

I wish I could remember what I had done the day before. I always do some leg stretches before I actually get up...and I've had tight calves for a long time. I did the one side and it was fine and then this other one just suddenly cramped up like a charlie horse. I was in pain for a good 3 minutes, which seemed forever!:eek: I haven't ran or rode my bike for 3 days now. I have just been walking.
I appreciate your reply and hopefully it's just a strain.

Hi Trek420-

So are you just referring to your calf muscles if you do or don't do what you said? Geez...cycling is way more complicated than I ever thought:rolleyes:

Before running or riding I warm up in my hot tub. I cool down with stretches.
I also thought that you don't use your calf muscles very much and being on a bike was easier on your entire body. How do you know if you are lacking potassium? I will check out your link on nutrition while I rest today.

Thanks for your reply.
I am so grateful for this site-:)

Dianyla

03-12-2006, 04:02 PM

Have you been getting enough potassium lately? If you've been training a lot and sweating you've probably been losing a lot of electrolytes. Sodium is usually replaced very easily because it is added to so many foods, but potassium is not as ubiquitous. Bananas are a good source, as are Larabars (primarily due to the dried dates ingredient). I also like Morton's "lite salt" which is half sodium chloride and half potassium chloride, you can find it at any grocery store.

Magnesium is another necessary mineral required for muscle relaxation. This is why soaking in a bath with epsom salts (i.e. magnesium sulfate) is so relaxing. It's also why too much magnesium has a laxative effect - in high doses it can relax the sphincters in your gastrointestinal tract. Chocolate is high in magnesium. :)

So, go eat a few chocolate dipped bananas and you'll be fine. :p

ETA: Just noticed your edited in question about how do you know if you're lacking potassium? Well, cramps, for one! Another way to look at it is that if you're not consuming potassium rich foods or sports drinks and you are sweating a lot, you are most likely deficient in it. And if you lose a lot of electrolytes due to IBS, this is also a factor.

ETA2: Another possible source of cramps is taking calcium supplements that don't also have magnesium. Cal-Mag work together in muscular cell contractions, the calcium ion helps with contractions and the magnesium ion does the relaxing. Too much calcium unopposed by magnesium can also cause cramps.

Trek420

03-12-2006, 05:12 PM

Dianyla "So, go eat a few chocolate dipped bananas and you'll be fine. :p"

works for me!!!

I think yams are high in potassium too, candied yams & chocolate....;)

happy~biker

03-12-2006, 08:17 PM

Hi Dianyla-
Thanks for your reply. I wish I could eat chocolate dipped banana's, but I do have IBS, so I have to be careful.
I do take a cal/mag supplement and stay away from salt.
I know I don't drink enough...it's just so hard for me when I have to wake up 3 times a night!

Hi Trek420-
I appreciate your reply too!
I do like yams. I put marshmallows and brown sugar on those! YUMMY!

I've never tried the sports drinks. I think now's the time!
:)

Dianyla

03-12-2006, 09:10 PM

I wish I could eat chocolate dipped banana's, but I do have IBS, so I have to be careful.
Is it the chocolate or the bananas? I have difficulty with bananas, they always upset my stomach. Larabars have been a godsend, you can find them at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Wild Oats, etc. Their ingredient lists are very short and simple, too.

I don't have full-on IBS but many things aggravate me in that way if I'm not careful. Have you ever talked to a naturopath about it? I used to have a lot worse frequency and problems, but since figuring out a few culprits and adjusting certain parameters I have my digestive issues mostly contained.

Eden

03-12-2006, 09:24 PM

Is it the chocolate or the bananas? I have difficulty with bananas, they always upset my stomach. Larabars have been a godsend, you can find them at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Wild Oats, etc. Their ingredient lists are very short and simple, too.

I don't have full-on IBS but many things aggravate me in that way if I'm not careful. Have you ever talked to a naturopath about it? I used to have a lot worse frequency and problems, but since figuring out a few culprits and adjusting certain parameters I have my digestive issues mostly contained.
Interesting - everyone always talks about bananas as the perfect cycling food, but it seems like there are quite a few of us out there that can't do them. I love bananas - but not on the bike!! I get wretched stomach cramps if I eat them before cycling. I think they are great afterwards though.

happy~biker

03-13-2006, 08:05 AM

It's the chocolate. A big trigger...Fortunately I've never been a big chocolate eater lilke most women. I usually eat a banana on my oatmeal which is the soluble fiber I need to keep my GI tract happy.

My calf feels a lot better today.:D I do drink the protein shakes that have lots of potassium in them at work. I'm going to find a drink with the electrolytes. I am trying to drink more green tea too. I've heard that it is the next best thing to water.

The interesting thing is that it is only my calves have ever gotten these cramps. Why wouldn't any other muscle get them?:confused:

Trek420

03-13-2006, 08:32 AM

happy~biker writes "Hi Trek420-Geez...cycling is way more complicated than I ever thought:rolleyes:

:D Not really, just ride, have a question, read TE, learn, ride repeat....

"Before running or riding I warm up in my hot tub."

OK, TE gals the rides begin at happy~biker house from now on :D

"I cool down with stretches."

sounds good, I've read somewhere, I think here :) that it's good to get some food in you, protein, carbs, whatever your bod likes to recover within 1/2 hour of intense excercise.

"I also thought that you don't use your calf muscles very much and being on a bike was easier on your entire body."

cycling is easier on your body than lots of sports, but your calf muscles do a lot of work!

"How do you know if you are lacking potassium?"

Honestly I don't. I just learned through trial and error, and reading TE gals who know waaaay more than I ...that cramping for me may = low potassium. Then found foods high in that helped. Still don't know for sure, maybe I'm just low on chocolate? :D :cool:

"Thanks for your reply.
I am so grateful for this site-:)"

kinda neet, eh? Best place in cycberspace for women cyclists, besides the road, or the mountain, or the LBS, or.....

RoadRaven

03-13-2006, 09:15 AM

My partner finds that when he has too much sugar he is more prone to cramps... don't know if thats useful, Happy...

As for why just your calves? Have no idea... sorry :p

And as for bananas - I like them after a hard ride (as long as they are firm - the skin yellow and a tinge of green - not the brown spotted skin :eek: )

I will have them before a ride on cereal or mashed onto toast - but its gotta be a good half hour to an hour before I get on the bike...

Thats of course unless I am starting ride at Happy's, cause otherwise I'll wait in the hot tub for you all to get back...

happy~biker

03-13-2006, 07:58 PM

Thanks ladies,

I am really feeling great now. I am good and hydrated and I'm ready for an easy ride tomorrow.

If you haven't warmed up in a hot tub, I highly recommend it. AND feel free to come on over anytime! I'm in the foothills of Mt. Rainier and am surrounded by Mother Nature...if you get too hot you can jump in the lake. :D

Nanci

03-14-2006, 05:49 AM

And they were 14"! I think of them as small and wimpy, not tree trunks! They are _finally_ getting bigger and showing definition, but it's been a long process. We don't want to talk about my quad measurement :-(

Nanci

happy~biker

03-14-2006, 10:47 AM

Hi Nanci-

Wimpy..:confused: You must be tall...b/c I am only 5'3, and have the biggest calves out of my husband and 2 sons ages 26 & 27. It was my oldest son that gave me that nick name...I know he's just jealous:D He just started road biking too.

I rode my bike this morning and just wanted to inform all of you that I had ZERO pain! It's amazing what a day off can do!:rolleyes: I only rode for a half hour and went 7 miles. Some hills as I have plenty of those around here...BUT...as Trek420 pointed out that in biking you do use your calf muscles a lot! This is my first time using those tricky clip-on pedals. When I am going up hills, I used to use my arms to pull me up. Then I read on here that we are suppost to use our legs. Now, I understand the feeling of pulling up on the pedals especially when I'm on a hill! What a difference!:eek: But, after cooling down I still have no pain. Honest to Pete...it vanished!

I will continue to take all of your wonderful suggestions. Thank you again for taking the time to be SOOO helpful!

I am one happy biker! :D :D

Nanci

03-14-2006, 10:56 AM

I'm 5'2". Maybe I'm around too many male athletes. I'd still like to have slightly bigger/more defined calves, and much slimmer thighs!

Nanci

daytvx

03-14-2006, 12:57 PM

I'm 5'2". Maybe I'm around too many male athletes. I'd still like to have slightly bigger/more defined calves, and much slimmer thighs!

Nanci

Hi all! I'm new to the forum, & relatively new to biking. I had to respond to Nanci's post of wanting better calves & slimmer thighs! I too bike w/ mostly men, & long for the definition & lean-ness they have. But then I remember, they have one thing that I don't...testosterone!!! It's going to take me A LOT longer to get the definition because of the layer of fat I have, being a woman. The definition is showing up, it's just SLOOWW!! And I may always have "thick" thighs! :mad:

Thanx all, it's good to know there are others out there w/ the same frustrations & joys in biking!

V.

happy~biker

03-14-2006, 07:42 PM

Hello,

I think 15 yrs of running slimmed my thunder thighs down...it does take a FEW YEARS though to really see some definition.

For me exercising is my medicine. It helps me think clearer and stay calmer. The physical part is a bonus...and as a woman I think we need to be grateful that we are healthy and motivated to exercise. We are the minority...:p

I doubt that any man looks at a woman on a bike and thinks...I sure wish I had her thighs, calves, buttocks, etc...LOL

:D

Dianyla

03-15-2006, 12:03 AM

I doubt that any man looks at a woman on a bike and thinks...I sure wish I had her thighs, calves, buttocks, etc...LOL
Um, actually I have been told by multiple guys on multiple occasions that they wish they had my calves, biceps, endurance, etc.

Then again, they were all skinny birdleg types and I'm very curvy on top of very muscular.

5'3.5" with 14.5" calves. :p

happy~biker

03-16-2006, 05:29 PM

Hi Dianyla,

No kidding? So what do you say to the poor birdlegs wishin' they have what you do? I find it interesting that in bike racing they keep the men and women separate. AND since I posted this topic my calves don't seem so huge anymore!
:D

Veronica

03-16-2006, 05:39 PM

Sorry, you gals ain't got tree trunk calves.

I'm 5'5" and my calf measures 16.5 inches. I'n definitely sturdy. :rolleyes:

V.

happy~biker

03-16-2006, 07:10 PM

I'd say you have some "Redwoods" there...LOL
Very buff...I am impressed V.
:D

btchance

03-16-2006, 08:22 PM

okay, this made me measure my calves, they're 14" and I'm only 5'2" and I'm pretty sure they used to be bigger when I was dancing all the time. Kinda wondering about my thighs, though (or maybe I should be worrying about my calves) since my thighs are only 4" larger. Isn't there suspossed to be a bigger difference between the two? Ah, who knows. They get me where I want to go over those hills :)

Dianyla

03-16-2006, 08:44 PM

OK ladies, are we going to start having to post leg muscle pics? I'm still impressed by bcipam's quads pic that she had up that one time.

Hey, I'll do it if you do it. :p

happy~biker

03-17-2006, 09:08 AM

Hey I'm game!
I'd think it would be an inspiration.
Do you want to start a new thread?
HB :D

bluedress

03-17-2006, 04:43 PM

Aww, I just knew I was going to win this one--until I read on--I will have to settle for the silver I guess. I come in at 15.25". Love these legs tho--they are my powerhouses!

Treetrunks...yes...strong and sturdy.... :)

SadieKate

03-17-2006, 04:51 PM

I've always been a bit self conscious over my skinny calves. So, guess which are mine. :( At least they tan nicely.

http://www.tandemhearts.com/bike/amici-legs.jpg

happy~biker

03-17-2006, 08:08 PM

Hey bluedress-
Way to go girl! Silver is great!:D

Sadiekate-
You brave soul...I'm guessing yours are the tan ones, cuz you gave that info away...;) I hate to break it too you, but they are too nice to be tree trunks...:(

I don't have a digital camera, but I will post mine asap. Anyone else?
This is getting hilarious!
:D

Dianyla

03-17-2006, 08:15 PM

Awright here goes nothin'. I'm standing on tippy-toes to show the nice lumpiness. ;)

http://diane.rokatek.com/hair/treetrunks.jpg

SadieKate

03-17-2006, 08:34 PM

Sadiekate-
You brave soul...I'm guessing yours are the tan ones, cuz you gave that info away...;) I hate to break it too you, but they are too nice to be tree trunks...:( :DThanks, so scrawny and tan are OK?

Left to right -- Veronica, my hubby, and me. Now you can see why Veronica just goes and goes and goes.:eek:

Dianyla - you definitely got the cyclist's lump going there!

Sparky

03-18-2006, 03:36 PM

I am loving this post. It really hits home. I have always been a little embrassed by the size of my calves, 14.5 btw. & have joked that I do not have legs I have tree trunks. That being said I am ok with it I figured out years ago I was not ever going to have those long slender legs.

happy~biker

03-18-2006, 03:59 PM

Hello gals,

Dianyla- You can be proud of those trunks...that's a good pose so you can really see the definition. Ride on! :cool:

SadieKate- Are you saying that those on the left are THE Veronica's here...:confused:
Now I don't know much here being the newbie on board. Maybe a more experienced rider can tell you if tan and scrawny okay. I go to the tanning bed just once a wk for some Vitamin D. I believe that part is okay.;)

Hey Sparky-
Nice of you to chime in! Sounds like you've got a great attitude! Mine has changed since I posted this! LOL

I'll have mine up here by mid week...I can guarantee they'll be worth the wait!
:D

SadieKate

03-18-2006, 04:41 PM

SadieKate- Are you saying that those on the left are THE Veronica's here...:confused: Yep, she's also known as Princess Zippy. May have to come up with a new name since she's now keeping company with rocks.

bluedress

03-18-2006, 05:23 PM

I am not talking bonsais, either!

http://66.93.39.154/images/misc/MarcasLegs.jpg

kjay

03-18-2006, 08:34 PM

WOWZER, bluedress, do you ever have fabulous legs! I'd maim for those legs! ;) I'd take a pic of mine, too, if they looked that great! Thanks for the inspiration.

bluedress

03-18-2006, 08:37 PM

Oh, thank you. Really. (Blush.) I am so glad to be here--you women sure know how to make a gal feel good about herself and powerful. :)

Veronica

03-18-2006, 08:57 PM

SadieKate- Are you saying that those on the left are THE Veronica's here...:confused:

Dang I should have flexed for that picture. :D

V.

happy~biker

03-19-2006, 04:45 PM

OMG bluedress,
You need that pic in Shape magazine! Ride on!:cool:

And Veronica...you can always do a re-take...especially since you've got the gold so far...;)

:D

Veronica

03-19-2006, 04:58 PM

Yep, she's also known as Princess Zippy. May have to come up with a new name since she's now keeping company with rocks.

What do you have against the triplets? They are very well behaved. Maybe I'll have to get Thom to take their picture with my flexed "Redwoods."

V.

Dianyla

03-19-2006, 05:40 PM

Maybe I'll have to get Thom to take their picture with my flexed "Redwoods."
Or just use the self-timer feature, it's easier than having to explain why... :rolleyes:

Veronica

03-19-2006, 05:48 PM

Oh he knows why. He's already had to endure the, "Do my calves look awful? I have the biggest calves on TE!" question several times. Poor guy. ;)

V.

bikerHen

03-19-2006, 06:11 PM

Sorry, you gals ain't got tree trunk calves.

I'm 5'5" and my calf measures 16.5 inches. I'n definitely sturdy. :rolleyes:

V.

I measured mine a couple of days ago but was to shocked to post the numbers.

Add me to the sturdy group. I'm 5'5"ish and my calf measured 16.5 as well. Can't decide if this is a good thing or bad. :eek: :D Bikerhen

Dianyla

03-19-2006, 06:14 PM

Add me to the sturdy group. I'm 5'5"ish and my calf measured 16.5 as well. Can't decide if this is a good thing or bad. :eek: :D Bikerhen
Well since you brought it up Bikerhen... my ManFriend always refers to me as a hen and he says my calves look like drumsticks. This doesn't bother me because they do look like drumsticks and I like it! :D

Veronica

03-19-2006, 06:20 PM

Add me to the sturdy group. I'm 5'5"ish and my calf measured 16.5 as well. Can't decide if this is a good thing or bad. :eek: :D Bikerhen

Hey, I figure my big calves play some part in helping me climb. They have to be good for something.

V.

happy~biker

03-19-2006, 07:23 PM

OH MY!!!
We have a tie for the gold...:eek:
I think it's only fair we "see" THE "Redwoods."

I am wondering, if any of you have seen a woman showing both calf muscles? I personally have only seen them on guys...From my understanding it depends on how much body fat you have.

:D

bluedress

03-19-2006, 07:27 PM

Aww...I just lost my silver....I still have the bronze, though! Or can we do the double gold thing and me keep my silver? Deal? So who has the bronze then? Whew—that will be triple bronze shared by happy~biker, Dianyla, and Sparky. Oh, yes, a mighty forest are we!

SadieKate

03-19-2006, 08:23 PM

What do you have against the triplets?Nothing. What did I say? I think it is hilarious in a very practical sort of way.

Bill just gave me a collection of essays written by women on their misadventures. One recounts her training for the Great American Sack Race in which she has to carry a 50 pound sack of chicken feed . . . so of course she trained with the sack of chicken feed hung from around her neck.:p

CyclaSutra

03-19-2006, 09:39 PM

I don't know if I trust my tape measure ... it seems like it has shrunk since the days when I had a 26-inch waist.... but it says 16-something on my calves, too.

All I know is, it's a good day when my Frye Campus boots go over these trunks and don't try to scrunch down. When I bought the boots (the most expensive pair of shoes I've ever bought, at $210) a year and a half ago, they were scrunchin', and now they're not. Yay!

Coincidentally, when I showed a pair of cute cycling socks with three-inch cuffs to a sorority-type coworker, she said "Oh, I could never wear socks like those. They would make my legs look like tree trunks." Hmmm. I reevaluated my sock selection, and now only buy the shorter, 1-inch variety. I'm not getting rid of the taller ones, but it's amazing how an anklet-type sock will elongate and offer a wee bit of slimmingness to my oak-like calves.

Trying to attach a rock-climbing photo that tells all...

bluedress

03-19-2006, 10:00 PM

Long ago I discovered the slimming effects of very short/no-see-um socks. My ankles are very thick, too, so shortie socks really help accentuate the positive.

Nice legs, BTW, CyclaSutra. :)

maillotpois

03-20-2006, 10:36 AM

Okay, I just realized I have a tape measure in this silly little tool kit at my desk. Drumroll... 16 1/4 inches at the large part. So I think I am right up there! (Let's not even start measuring thighs though, okay??)

And even if I had a picture, I still am not technically savvy enough to know how to attach it!!! Oh well. They look good in the modest height heels and skirts I wear to work, and DH agrees, so that's good! (Of course, DH has these HUGE calves with amazing muscle definition. Fun to ride behind! I have enough muscle definition in mine, and its funny because the kid is starting to develop her own little calf-muscle bubble just like her parents! I gotta get her riding more, though!)

I had a heck of a time finding boots until a year or two ago when I got a great pair of Sudinis - they fit perfectly, and I have never been able to find boots that fit my calves. Of course, I also have size 11 feet, so they tend to cut them a bit bigger than for those of you with normal sized feet!

mtbmargie

03-20-2006, 11:05 AM

Boy am I glad to read that others have described their legs as tree trunks. I would always joke with my BF that I have cankles... calves that just run straight to my feet, no ankles. I'm 5'0 and have 16" calves. I've never been able to buy nice boots because my calves are just too big! They definitely help with biking and hiking up hills! :D

happy~biker

03-20-2006, 07:34 PM

LOL!!! You TE gals are hilarious! :D

I must say that CyclaSutra's pic is very impressive...geesh, you sure you didn't get that out of a magazine? ;)

Now I need some help cuz I have lost track of who gets the medals...:rolleyes:
OH Dianyla..can you be of some assistance here? OR when I get mine posted?

Only 2 days to go! AND yes...the shortie socks are my favorite!
:D

bluedress

03-20-2006, 08:08 PM

We are one formidable forest of power here!

bikerHen: 16.5”
veronica: 16.5”
Maillotpois: 16 ¼”
CyclaSutra: 16-something”
Mtbmargie: 16"
Bluedress: 15.25”
Sparky: 14.5”
Dianyla: 14.5"
Happy~biker: 14.5"
Btchance: 14"
Nanci: 14"
Brandi: 14”

Let me know if I missed anyone's numbers!

Dianyla

03-20-2006, 09:25 PM

I love this thread! :p

CyclaSutra

03-21-2006, 02:31 AM

:o
The pic is so fancy because I work at a newspaper and the photo intern shadowed me during a rock climbing clinic.

Frankly, scanning through my iPhoto collection, I was embarrased that I have so _few_ photos of my legs! :mad:

I think we MUST get together pre-LRRH or at the rest stops and have the men in grass skirts take some group leg shots of us! :D

Rember that shot in "Bicycling" mag a few years ago that had a black background and a bunch of cyclists in black shorts lying on their backs with their legs pointed in a circle? Cyclelicious.