Massive cramp

Cramps are usually from overwork, electrolyte imbalance, or dehydration. If you didn't stress the muscle, make sure you have enough water and electrolytes.

Mine usually come from over zealous cycling. I scared my in laws once when we were at a restaurant. I felt it coming on and just shoved the table back and leaped up and started to stretch it. If you're anything like me you usually have about a one second warning and if you don't stretch it, you'll be in a world of hurt.

If you're in danger of it happening again as the prior poster stated maintain good fluid balance. Stretching oddly enough for me can actually induce them. I think I just irritate them while stretching and then they jump up and bite during the run. I've heard that there can be an association between how fast you start running and hamstring problems. The first mile may be critical. If I'm in the danger zone I start slow, gradually increase my pace, listen to the muscle, don't over stride, try run upright, and try not to get any "ballistic" motions in my gait.

Thanks for the advice. Haven't felt it since last night. I did end up taking electrolytes, heating pad, and massaging it.

I'm not really in the best race shape so I'm just planning on a slower run and finishing the race.

Thanks again

Call Lebron.

So how did the race go? I have had a history of hamstring cramps. Once it hit me literally 20 feet from the finish line of a 1/2 Iron distance. I felt like I had been shot with a deer rifle and went down in a heap. Ended up crawling across the finish line--not my best triathlon moment. Since then, it has happened again, but I find a combination of stretching, strength training, and massages helps keep it at bay.