I’ve just finished week 5 🎊 and I really struggled to complete the walk at the end. As soon as I stopped running my calves ceased up and started cramping. I’ve had a little cramping there with the shorter walk/run sessions and was hoping it would ease with a longer run. I didn’t struggle with the 20 mins, it was really a case of mind over matter for me, and I’m 100% not going too fast 🤣. Was wondering if I stretch when I stop running and then walk? Any advice greatly appreciated 🙏🏼
After run cramps anyone? : I’ve just finished... - Couch to 5K
After run cramps anyone?
![SlowRunner46 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/ec891758dddc4766b3f95847a87374aa_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![SlowRunner46 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/ec891758dddc4766b3f95847a87374aa_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Instructor57 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/e916ddd5e78584804fd5f8421fb94379_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Well done on completing week 5.
A great run to get under your belt .
What's your hydration like ?
Thanks. I think hydration levels are ok(🫣). A very valid point that maybe they aren’t as good as I think though 🤣🤣. Will up the 💦 and see if that helps.
![SlowRunner46 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/ec891758dddc4766b3f95847a87374aa_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I wouldn’t want to take a lot of fluids in just before I go as I think I would find that uncomfortable. Not running till Friday pm - operation hydration starts now
![backintime profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/0333ee740b36452daf345e80c93f18cd_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Apart from hydration (which is a big thing) and some stretching out after a run, maybe some calf exercises which are easy to fit in your daily routine (I do mine while cleaning my teeth and while walking the dogs)?
![Teresa1632 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/4fa9156da59792f0394725babb8d2787_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Try the hydration route as Instructor57 suggests. You could try a dioralyte or other electrolyte drink before a run. But take well before, and just sip it, not glug it down! Good luck.
![Oldfloss profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/105fc46b2ead0530d0e1540d94760674_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Some sound advice.. great hydration every day does help... what exercise are you doing for those calves on some of your rest days?
![SlowRunner46 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/ec891758dddc4766b3f95847a87374aa_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Not a lot of exercise on rest days. Intermittent stretching would prob explain it the best.