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my first marathon!

Janna T.
Janna T. Sendmail

Cramping during a run?

posted about 2 years ago | Report

I had the worst cramps on my first marathon on May 2, ended up in the med tent.

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4 posts

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  • Kent
    Kent Sendmail

    Sorry to hear about your cramping during the big day. I just ran my first marathon this weekend and also had cramps, mainly in my right calf, getting pretty bad with 6k left. It really slowed me down. I ended up with a 3:42 finish which didn't meet my goal, even though it seemed in the bag until the cramping got worse. Talked to some more experienced marathoners at the finish and they suggested carrying Tums. As soon as you feel a cramp you are supposed to eat a couple Tums and it is supposed to help (something to do with the calcium I think?). I didn't know this but they swear by it. All I know is I am carrying some Tums in my next marathon this fall. Hope you are feeling better and having great runs!

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Sarah L.
    Sarah L. Sendmail

    Cramping happens when you either aren't getting enough oxygen to your muscles- or your stomach tends to cramp when you don't breath out all the way. I haven't run my first marathon yet- its coming up in two months but I have been on a few 20 milers and i definitely cramped up- but i was able to get rid of them by breathing out longer than i was breathing in - also if theres anyway to stretch your stomach- sometimes i do this on a telephone poll or a tree- facing away from the tree place your hands over your head palms against the tree and then slowly "walk" your hands down which will stretch your mid section- not sure how plausible this is in a crowed race though!
    also H2Os always important.

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Keong
    Keong Sendmail

    some tips from the experienced marathon runners to avoid cramps:
    - eat salt tablets pre-race and every 10km
    - drink ORS few days before the actual race day
    - do some stretching halfway through the race
    - for newbies, try to mix with some power walk

    I'm going to run my 1st marathon in Nov 2010 :)

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

  • Micke
    Micke Sendmail

    haven't experienced any cramps in all the sports i've played. but a marathon surely will make you a candidate for having one. had some advice with marathoners; they said to try tempo running; it has something to do with lactic acid. i think this is applicable to all kinds of races; just listen to your body, when you feel like cramping, slow down. dont overdo it.

    posted almost 2 years ago | Report

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