Problems after riding a century

[eclectic]

Having two different muscle places with cramp-like symptoms would have me wondering if you are temporarily low on calcium. Calcium depletion can cause Charlie-horses and other muscle cramp symptoms. Calcium in your bloodstream can get depleted with exercise- it's included in some of those electrolyte drinks because of that I think. Try eating some yogurt for a few days maybe?...

My muscles were cramping a lot for quite awhile and when I researched causes I found about 100 different reasons. I knew my potassium and calcium were in good form but landed on muscle fatigue. Once I started weight lifting regularily the cramping went away for the most part.

If you didn't train as usual maybe this is all it is BUT we always need to keep stocked up on the calcium and potassium supplies too! AND keep the electrolytes in balance

Glad to hear that the swelling has receded - I have had 2 Bartholin cysts and they aren't too fun but fortunately treatable, if the swelling is going down on its own it probably isn't a cyst, I haven't been able to rid myself of them. Both times needed surgery (relatively minor but surgery non-the less)

[CorsairMac]

a mis-aligned saddle could've also thrown your position off balance which could explain the pain in your shoulder.

I agree tho on the low-calcium/calf pain. Try taking an extra calcium supplement or 2 - or heck take 3!!!

[bcipam]

I used to take a TUMS everyday for calcium but got lazy and stopped. Would it be beneficial to start up again? Do you all take daily supplements or just before, during and after a ride?

I've never had problems on centuries before but guess I'm getting older and maybe need to start taking supplements regularly. I just hate taking pills or any sort, even pain relievers when needed. If its for short term use, I would be better off.

[Squirrel 2]

I take daily supplements. I take a women's formula multi-vitamin that gives me 100% of everything as a base. But 100% of the RMD is not enough for calcium & iron, so I take extra of those. I need extra calcium because of my age, and I need extra iron because I am deficient. Apparently new research shows that cyclists need more iron for the same reasons they need more calcium. Then I get everything else from food. I feel the vitamins give me a good starting point, but I use up more than the average because I am actively engaged in a sport that makes higher demands on my body's resources. Results from bloodwork last year proved that to me. Otherwise, no pills unless truly needed.

[Bruno28]

I used to take a TUMS everyday for calcium but got lazy and stopped. Would it be beneficial to start up again?

If TUMS are the same as TUMs in the uk they are an indigestion remedy?? I read somewhere that you shouldn't take these on a regular basis. Might be safer to get hold of a calcium supplement from a pharmacy. I take one with vitamin D3 added as this apparently helps you to absorb the calcium (but I take it because I'm at risk of osteoporosis - so you might not need the D3)

[bcipam]

TUMS is the same - it's basically just a calcium tab and fairly safe to take everyday as a supplement, at least that's what I doctor told me. I have trouble taking multivitamins due to allergies (has something to do with the binding agents in vitamin tabs).

[ReneeLynne]

I know you posted a long time ago, but wanted to chime in -- i've had that exact "girly part" problem. In my case, I'm almost positive it was due to cycling shorts bunching unevenly between me and the seat. I am now considering upgrading the shorts from Pearl Izumi "Race" style to "Elite". I tried some on the other day and they were much more streamlined and had a narrower chamois. I have a small frame, so I think that will help. Perhaps you are the same?

[bcipam]

I didn't really have a chafing problem which has been caused by bad chamois in the pass, this was more a pressure problem. Just sitting on the saddle for a long time. The swelling has gone down. I have no centuries planned for teh rest of this year so hopefully everything will get a chance to heal up well.

[velogirl]

TI have trouble taking multivitamins due to allergies (has something to do with the binding agents in vitamin tabs).

I take an airborne everyday and drink a V8 too! I no longer take my multi-vitamin because I'm getting the equivs. with these two (more natural?) options. You might want to try it!

[bcipam]

I take an airborne everyday and drink a V8 too! I no longer take my multi-vitamin because I'm getting the equivs. with these two (more natural?) options. You might want to try it!

I drink a V8 everyday - not for any reason other than I like them. Guess it's good for me too!!!! Bonus points!

Everyone I'm doing fine. See the surgeon on Wednesday (tomorrow!) to discuss the surgery and set the dates. Feeling OK about things and am really looking forward to having my problem dealt with. I'm tired of dealing with these icky symptoms.

On a related, OT note, I called and told my sister what was going on. She finally admitted she is experiencing the same symptoms. She (like me) thought it was stress related as she and her husband are having problems ). I begged her to see a doctor. She did, had a colonoscopy and just found out she also has colon cancer. What a strange turn of events. Knowing my sister, if I hadn't bullied her she would never have gone to the doctor. The poor fool actually had a minor heart attack during her son's basketball game but didn't want to disrupt the evening as he was having a good night and waited until after the game to head off to the hospital. She's always put her family first. Now she needs to care for herself. At least I've been through all the testing so she knows what to expect.