Help & experience needed

[sharon1978]

Hi I'm hoping someone can put me in the right direction. I had the odd leg cramp at night it was unpleasant but it passed with little heed. I did my first marathon and had a full blown cramp in my calf at mile 13 that left me with little or no choice but to walk a further 13. Two weeks ago I was doing a 12mile lsr and got to 8 mile and started to cramp again. It took over an hour and a half before i could finish my miles. Yesterday I got to mile 11 and started to go again.

I am being crippled both literally and figuratively at this point. The 1st two occasions I could say yes I could have done things differently. At the marathon I hydrated as I had for my two 20milers but was very nervous and depleted my hydration before the race started, then it was also a hot day. Second time I had started taking magnesium but I was under hydrated from a busy week. But yesterday I had hydrated well the day before and taken my magnesium all week with extra on the day, I drank at each water stop etc took another hydration tablet at mile 10 & extra magesium a couple of miles in. The only thing I can think of now is to try salt tablets.

Can anyone share their experience of how they rid themselves of calf cramps I'll try anything as I'm facing into my second marathon training.

Thanks

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I have not suffered from this problem but I think there are several other factors you could be looking at:

Other electrolytes (potassium, calcium), your running form, your warm up, how you pace yourself, your strength training regime, nutrition during the race.

Good luck!

[sharon1978 in reply to roseabi]

Hi thanks for that. I take a good quality multi vitamin and had had my bloods taken as I began my marathon training last year. I have since began strength and conditioning training too last January. I have a fairly neutral gait the longer I've been running but I'm slow and short!?

One huge factor I've noted is the amount of salt/crystals on my skin on these occasions and my difficulty in regulating my body temp. I spoke with someone who had some similar experience that went further - she had bad sun stroke. Im a bit reluctant to ask my Dr as i feel its such a particular running problem.

Thanks for your advice. Happy running

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to sharon1978]

I'd say that an obvious first thing to try would be to choose a winter marathon, so you keep yourself cooler.

The thing about cramp is that the causes of it are not understood. Many people look at electrolytes, as you have been, but in addition to those you mention, some people swear by taking antacids (calcium carbonate) to replace calcium lost in sweat. You could try that, or yes, get some salt tablets

Another idea is that cramp is due to muscle fatigue, so looking at improving your gait (have someone watch you, and tell you if there's any imbalances, for example perhaps your hips are dipping to one side without your realising it) might help. Perhaps building up your muscles with calf strengthening exercises (weighted calf raises and farmers walk type stuff) could be the way to go. Also, taking on enough fuel before and during your long runs - vitamins are all very well, but macronutrients are important too!

Also, how is your sleep? Could you improve in that area?

There's a few experiments for you

[sharon1978 in reply to roseabi]

You at a star thanks so much for your time I really appreciate it 😊

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to sharon1978]

Ooh, and stretching!

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon]

I would try taking in a little more salt. I haven't had cramps but have occasionally had headaches after a hot race and losing a lot of sweat. I've seen the salt crystals on my hat after this!! The headache soon went after a salty snack.

[Realfoodieclub Marathon]

I'm no expert at all in this field and this is not a medical solution as such, but when MrRfc was having cramps because of his kidneys his doc recommended he had tonic water. Apparently the quinine helps to treat cramps. I'm not sure they actually meant it with gin but that's the way he preferred it 😀.

[MarkyD in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Same when Mrs MarkyD was pregnant with Pikachu#1.

She had leg-cramps at night. Doctor recommended a gin and tonic before bed. It helped her get a good night sleep.

Pikachu#1 just finished his 'A' levels and went out driving the Mini on his own today, so I don't think that the gin poisoned him in utero.

[Tomas Marathon]

That sounds like a royal pain in the calf! I know it feels like a bit of a strange one to take to the doctor, but have you considered doing it anyway? Maybe he can do another blood test and see if you're low on anything that you need. Sorry, I know that doesn't help much here and now, but it's what I think I'd do after the first few failed attempts at self medicating.