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From: Paul Shields
Category: Coach
Date: 5/18/98
Time: 6:21:48 PM
Remote Name: 203.38.32.115
Peter,
Cramping is caused by electrolyte imbalances across the cell walls in muscles. The quickest and easiest solution is to try and avoid these imbalances before they occur. I have found in 95% of cases drinking water and increasing the fluid in your body will stop cramps dead in their tracks. The trick is to keep hydrated throughout the marathon and at the first sign of any twinges in your calf muscles start drinking. If you still get them then drink plenty of water, stretch the muscle to try and stop it contracting, and also slowly massage out any knotted parts.
There are several other factors that can play a role. After fluid intake, the most important factor in preventing exersize induced cramping is your diet. Electolyte deficiency's such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium etc can be a factor. The most important of these, in my experience, are sodium and potassium. It is hard to have too little sodium as it is in almost every processed food that we eat. If however your diet contains little processed foods then you may need to take extra salt. Potassium defficiency is a more likely culprit. Bananas are a good source of potassium.
Finally it is always useful to talk with a doctor or nutritionist about these things.
Hope the above helps,
Paul
RunCoach - 1998 Index - 1999 Index - Discussions - Calculators - Tips