Running and cramp

[boyse7en]

I posted a similar thread in the health forum a little while back and it was suggested I try in here too, so...

I've been training for a marathon - been running for a few years, do about 20 miles a week usually - and all was going well until i got to running over 18 or so miles. I got cramp twinges in my calves at around 18 miles, which then get progressively worse if I try to continue. After about 22 miles I'm down to walking and by 25 miles I could barely move. Tried stretching it out, which would give momentary help but a couple more strides and it is back.

Having managed 26 miles 200yds on the actual race day, I'd like to be able to knock this particular monkey off my back so I can at least say I have done a marathon!

[Crush]

http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-treatment/why-d...

Hope that helps!

When I was doing fairly intense hill sprints (Rugby training) I'd get the same, our coach suggested adding salt to our drinks and that seemed to work (whether it was a placebo I don't know!).

I assume you're stretching adequately before running too? And drinking plenty while running?

[boyse7en]

Crush said:

http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-treatment/why-d...

Hope that helps!

When I was doing fairly intense hill sprints (Rugby training) I'd get the same, our coach suggested adding salt to our drinks and that seemed to work (whether it was a placebo I don't know!).

I assume you're stretching adequately before running too? And drinking plenty while running?

Don't seem to get it on shorter stuff. Did a 10k on Tuesday night and was fine.

Don't do pre-run stretching, but do post-run stretches (especially calves, as had achilles tendonitis earlier this year)

Drank loads (well, as much as I could) during the marathon. Had a drink at every water station, which were roughly every 3-4 miles. I did sweat a lot though... proper running-off-the-end-of-your-nose sweating for most of the course.

[AndStilliRise]

boyse7en said:

Crush said:

http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-treatment/why-d...

Hope that helps!

When I was doing fairly intense hill sprints (Rugby training) I'd get the same, our coach suggested adding salt to our drinks and that seemed to work (whether it was a placebo I don't know!).

I assume you're stretching adequately before running too? And drinking plenty while running?

Don't seem to get it on shorter stuff. Did a 10k on Tuesday night and was fine.

Don't do pre-run stretching, but do post-run stretches (especially calves, as had achilles tendonitis earlier this year)

Drank loads (well, as much as I could) during the marathon. Had a drink at every water station, which were roughly every 3-4 miles. I did sweat a lot though... proper running-off-the-end-of-your-nose sweating for most of the course.

Your body is sweating out the salt. This is the reason why you are having cramps.

This is caused by either drinking excessive water (yes this can be a problem) or your salt intake is low.

I would recommend you drink less water and more sporty drinks during the long runs. You could try something like high5 (http://www.discount-supplements.co.uk/high-5-zero-60-tabs?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=googlebase&utm_term=zero%2060%20tabs%20-%20mixed&gclid=CJ-8qqyBvsECFenHtAodthkAog#.VEZ06_ldVBk)

Hope this helps.