Run Run Away

Question:

I have found diet to be a big piece of this puzzle, especially if your legs have some muscle mass. Hydration is critical along with the proper balance of electrolytes. This balance varies from person to person and from race to race. I am about 185 lbs with large legs. As long as I stay hydrated and replace the electrolytes (Succeed, Endurox, Electrotabs, Endura…) I have no problems with cramping even out to 60 miles. If I consumed alcohol the night before or if I don’t get enough fluid in me (about 24 oz every 18-20 minutes on a 60-70 degree day) it will become UGLY! It has taken me years to figure out the proportions and quantities I need. I would suggest being patient and track your diet (at least the things that affect hydration). Good Luck. HAGreatD.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gwendolyn, Here’s my calf problem history summary.  I had calf cramps that began from running without proper warm up.  I still remember the specific day last spring I was in a hurry and started right out for a 15 mile run at marathon pace and developed "knots" in my calves.  I was plagued by these for a long time and the problem even propagated into Achilles tendon pain. I found that consistent pre-run warm-up, post-run stretching and ozzie-style massage, and moderate, but regular hill work helped, but the problem still persisted at a lower intensity.  Recently, a fellow runner and therapist suggested I might be stretching too hard.  She said BE GENTLE when stretching the calf.  This has completed the answer for my calf problem. I guess my urgency to solve the problem lead me to stretch too hard and that was causing, or at least not helping my calves to heal after hard training runs.  Hope this helps.  Good luck. Hey, I know it’s probably been mentioned, but what is it exactly that causes leg, or calf cramps, when running.  I ran my scheduled 20 mile run on Saturday, and during the last 5 miles of it, I could hardly function because my calves just suddenly, and inexplicably cramped up on me.  I tried stretching and walking, but as soon as I started running again they just cramped up again. Is it sodium or something I’m missing?  I drink water and a sports drink every other time about 30 minutes apart.  I don’t have a hydration problem…I don’t think but if anyone has had any success with fighting off the cramps please let me know. Gwendolyn

Response:

I just went to the fridge and read the label on the pickle jar–I’m not a chemistry person, but I see calcium carbonate and alum (is that a chemical relative of magnesium?)

Alum: a potassium aluminum sulfate KAl(SO4)2