Now my calves are twitching a bit. I generally attribute cramping and twitching to a few things:
- dehydration – by far the most common cause … frequent issue in races (see: that year that Lake Stevens 70.3 was really hot) … also possible for me today, as I went to a concert last night and got a bit dehydrated
- electrolyte deficiencies – sodium and magnesium are the most common culprits
- fatigue – hard workouts and races play into cramping … I also frequently cramp in a swim if I ran or biked immediately beforehand
I am now wondering whether caffeine is also a factor on its own. I suppose that as a diuretic it contributes to dehydration, and it may also contribute to electrolyte balance … but have any of you heard that caffeine is a possible direct cause of cramping?
