Avoiding Cramps

[Youreds]

Morning all,

I completed the Rome marathon on Sunday, which happened to be my fifth marathon. As I had been suffering from a cold, I had no expectations, just the intention to finish it.

I decided to start at 5.50/km, and try to maintain it for as long as possible, and every 45 minutes I took a gel with 125mg of sodium. The longer the the marathon went on, the more comfortable I felt, and soon my KMs were down to 5.30.

From 30km I was weary of the cramps creeping up on me, so decided to slow down slightly, to hold them off. Luckily they stayed away and from 37-42 I was able to up the pace slightly and finished my last km in below 5 mins. This resulted in me achieving my PB of exactly 4:00, which I was delighted with as it was so unexpected. I am sure that starting at a rate of about 20-30 seconds slower than my training pace was the reason for me not getting the cramp, but not sure whether it was the sodium either. Either way, I was delighted to hold it off, in what was my most enjoyable, and comfortable marathon.

What would you say are the best ways to avoid cramp, and what were the techniques you have used to achieve your marathon pbs?

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Well done but now you need a sub 4 hour so better get one booked 🤣

[Decker Ultramarathon]

I don’t have answers for the cramp question, but fantastic work on your marathon!! 4:00 is a great time. Someday I’d hope to just complete a marathon let alone a sub 4! 👏👏👊

[misswobble Marathon]

I’d have to run slower and drink a sports drink such as Tailwind. Being well fed and hydrated prior to race day too 🙂

Well done on your race. Sounds fantastic. 😃👍👊✊🏅👏