CRAMP

Welcome to BT!

Two answers to your question.

1) You need to train more for the pace you want to go.

2) Slow down during your races until you have #1 under control.

People are going to tell you "electrolytes and sports drinks" ad naseum.  They are incorrect in this instance.

Personally I'm not 100% convinced that electolytes or being nearly de-hydrated doesn't lead to cramps - I believe there is some truth there but don't know how much.

I do believe that Gatorade and stuff doesn't do as much as they claim, but it seems common sense you have to have enough water in you and other minerals/elements/electrolytes.  Basically get enough fluids before the race/run, etc ... and eat some good nutrition ....

For me ... I got leg cramps last Tuesday jogging on the treadmill - but I had done 45 minute aerobics class before that, sweated a lot.  Probably a combination of just finishing a tough workout consisting of a lot of jumping up and down and lifting up on your toes (using the calves), and water loss through sweating.  I didn't drink much during or after the aerobics.

Only made it .25 mile before the cramps hit - slowed and walked a few minutes drank water .. then slowly began to jog for 1.25 miles.

Fast-forward to yesterday.  I drank a bottle and a half of water about 45 minutes before my run (a real run outside on a track), plus only 10 minutes in the sauna first (a little sweating but not like from the aerobics class), then I ran 3.21 miles (actually ran 6 laps, walked 1 lap, ran last 5 laps.  This track has 12 laps = 3.21 miles).

I had no cramps, but .... also ran a little slower ... so ... was it the extra water ahead of time, the slower pace ... or ... Both ????  I think it was a little of both.

About slower pace ... what really happened is I seemed to take smaller steps or shorter strides but actually made quicker strides ... as in more steps per minute .... I dunno know if this correct or not.

When I got fitted for the shoes, the marathon-runner sales rep said to go faster you usaully take quicker steps first ... and eventually build up to longer strides and then long strides at quicker pace.

So, when I felt like I was headed for a cramp or leg trouble ... I took a wee bit shorted stride but picked up the pace of the steps a little ... and lo and behold was able to complete the 3.21 miles.

Confused?  I am!

Overdoing it will produce cramps, so Daremo is correct.  Not being properly hydrated has been a problem sometimes for me.  Salt tablets sometimes helped control some of my cramps.

Just curious, if you think the above is the case, then why suggest this: 

SportsLegs, in particular, makes claims that I believe are complete garbage.  There are cheaper ways to take calcium and magnesium if you really want.