Newbie - advice in stretching

[Vrun]

Im new to C25K just in my third week of training (literally only started moving recently) I am experiencing issues with cramps as i don't think I'm stretching enough before and after my sessions........... any advice

[monty2000]

I'm currently on week 5. I was running 3 months before hand but not getting anywhere suffering with cramps and bad legs.

I found that rest for a day or 2 is just as important as running to give yourself time to repair.

Even though now I don't find the warm up time of 5 minutes enough and use one of the runs from week 2 to warm up. I find this helps alot and gets more exercise in.

The cramps will pass. Also make sure you are getting a good intake of protein which is good for repairing muscles.

[Vrun in reply to monty2000]

Thank you I'm only just starting to get fit after a long time as a couch potato with very bad eating habits....... I've change my eating patterns but have to watch my protein intake to make sure I get enough .......... i'm determined to stick with it so fingers crossed I loose the cramps on the way ...

[Carolinemcd Graduate]

Try banana too. I'm not sure if they really are full of potassium or maybe just thinking they are is enough! And plenty water, don't dehydrate.

[Rignold]

Don't stretch befor running.

Be properly hydrated. This means min 3 litres water day. And the water for your run is the water you drank the day before, not the day of the run.

If you get cramp take a sip of pickle juice. It works wonders within seconds.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Rigs says don't stretch before a run, illustrating one angle on a very contentious subject. If you try all the other suggestions and still feel you need more warmup, then you can try dynamic stretching, such as lunges, as opposed to static stretches.

Becoming a runner is all about learning how your body works, so would encourage you to read around your issues yourself as well as solicit information from this forum.

Congratulations on your achievement. Keep running, keep smiling.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Dynamic stretches yes, static stretches no.

[A-LS Graduate]

I'm Week 2 run 3 tomorrow- I was getting cramps each night after running. A physio previously had recommended Magnesium for cramps and since I've been taking it each night after the run I've been fine.

[Vrun in reply to A-LS]

I'll get them today - I'm on week 3 run 3 tomorrow ( I have circuits in gym today) I'm determined to be run a 5k before winter so fingers crossed and keep up the good work

[poppypug Graduate]

Yep another vote for Magnesium tablets here . I take them too xxx

[Vrun]

thank you guys I started taking Magnesium at the beginning of this week (W4) and feeling a little better already