Avoiding Cramp

[Kirkie123]

I feel a 5 min warm up walk is not enough, I need to do some more calf stretches before that. I still tend to get a mild calf cramp when running which I run through, it’s not sore but a little uncomfortable. Any suggestions which might help with this.

[packersruns Graduate]

Hi,

I didn't feel like it was either

I personally do some dynamic stretches before I leave for my warm up walk - here's some that I do - runnersworld.com/health-inj...

and I do some post stretches just so it helps for the next day - nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h...

Hope that helps

[Kirkie123 Graduate in reply to packersruns]

Great, thanks

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

packersruns has given you good advice as you should not do static stretches pre run.

Stretching immediately after every run, nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h... while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out contractions, avoiding carrying tensions into the next run and also improves recovery by improving blood flow, as recommended in the guide to the plan and is more important than pre run stretching, in my opinion.

Cramps can be symptomatic of poor hydration. As a runner you need to drink a minimum of 2.5 -3 litres of fluid each and every day, running or not, as mentioned in the guide.

You could try a foam roller, if the above does not cure it.