Why am I SO sore after a race!?!?!

[alpinerabbit]

You are thinking in the right direction - you probably really just went all-out like you never go in training.

That's a problem even the pros face - they need "racing miles" to toughen up for their main events...

[Andrea]

It's normal... If you feel like you were well-hydrated, the cramps are a good sign that you just pushed yourself harder than what you're used to. Just keep training/racing and tweek your bike fit around a mm here & there, and it'll get better.

[stacie13]

Ah, cool! Thanks for the comments, good to know this happens to others. Feeling a bit stiff but much better today! Will keep it up, thanks!

[aicabsolut]

My teammates and I call that "TT butt" (time trial butt). It occurs most often after a TT, obviously, because of the amount of effort involved and fighting to stay in an aero position. It also hits badly after a very difficult race where you feel like you're on the rivet and down in the drops or riding aggressively a lot of the time (even if you feel pretty good overall). It can definitely help to add some race-intensity training. Stretching the glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors really well after a race can also help. I am personally a fan of cranking up the seat heaters in my car on the way home too .

The fact that your calves were cramping is another factor for your overall muscle pain. Keep hydrated (with water and electrolytes), and you'll have less dehydration related cramping. You can still get overexertion cramping, but sometimes that's not as debilitating.