When I was trying to decide on a name for this blog, I almost called it "Eat and Run," since this seems to be all I do. Eat, run, work, sleep, nag kids and husband, repeat.
This past weekend, I ran my fifth half marathon, and for the first time, I didn't get debilitating cramps. The past four long races have been fine for the first 9 miles or so, but then my quads or calves or both tighten up. For this race, I'm still trying to figure out what I did differently so I can do it again. My breakfast was the same. I increased my refined carb intake (think pancakes, sandwiches, oatmeal) in the few days before the race as usual. I stopped at most but not all of the fluid stations and had my new favorite energy treat, Clif Margarita blocks at mile 7. It was nearly perfect running weather: 60 degrees, low wind, and overcast. I've gotten cramps in perfect weather, near-freezing winter mornings, as well as cool-ish summer nights. I've built up mileage slowly, carried water and sports gels, and still cramped.
Cramps are still a mystery to dietitians and sports medicine specialists. One study of 210 Ironman triathletes found that neither dehydration nor electrolyte changes predicted incidence of cramping. Rather, past history of cramps and faster race times were associated with cramping. I'm certainly not guilty of faster speeds. The alternative is pretty depressing: people who get cramps are more likely to get cramps again.
I know there are a bunch of athletes out there. What do you do to prevent cramps? Scientists haven't figured it out, but that doesn't mean there's now fix out there. More training? More bananas? Lots of gatorade or just plain water? Flat Coke? This dietitian is a new athlete whose science resources have failed her. I need folk wisdom and anecdotes, please!
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