running and leg cramps...

[dulce]

I am suddenly starting to get cramps when I run...I'm taking a multivitamin, a B complex and C, drinking plenty of water and I'm doing low carbs. Started really stretching more (I'm bad about that) but looking for some suggestions to alleviate this...don't want to stop running...I was mad that I had to walk the last mile today...

any ideas?

[Brightness]

I was going to say increase your water intake. . .you might not be replenishing enough during excercise. I wasn't sure if you were talking plenty of water throughout the day or just when you work out. Maybe doing both would increase.

And you're doing specific stretches for the muscles that are cramping prior to running?

[mystkev]

I am prone to leg cramps (I think it was inherited). Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar w/the mother in it before you exercise. Braggs is the best. It will increase the circulation.

Hmmm, I just thought of this, are you warming up first? Not stretching, but starting out at a fast walk or a sprint? That may help alleviate leg cramps too.

Are you wearing running shoes?

[mack_black]

if the cramps get out of hand and you still have issues, switch to a bike, or a stationary bike....it relieves the pounding that your lower body is experiencing

[seductive_tee]

Running...hell i get them walking....especially up steps....more than 20 anyway

[djackso]

Get plenty of rest between days of running. Recovery time is very important.

[dulce]

Bright, I'm drinking water all day especially before and after I run. You think I should drink some during?

Myst, what does that mean "the mother" in the vinegar? I have some but it's Heinz...I am starting out walking for the first 5 minutes and then running.

But djackso, I didn't know you were supposed to rest between...I've been running everyday. Except today because I did weights (lower body) at lunch and it was damn near 100 degrees here...so I walked. But today, my legs just feel freakin' exhausted...

Myst, do you think it might help to take the vinegar even when I don't run?

[missbuttabutt]

agreeing with myst...try doing exercises concentrated on your legs first, cause even tho u stretch, since you're running, you should maybe give your legs the most attention

[que90nek]

what's your protein intake look like?

[mystkev]

Originally posted by dulce
Myst, what does that mean "the mother" in the vinegar? I have some but it's Heinz...I am starting out walking for the first 5 minutes and then running.

Myst, do you think it might help to take the vinegar even when I don't run?
The mother (protein molecules) is the stuff that occurs naturally from the making of apple cider vinegar. It's lil pieces that float around, you would see it. It means it's raw & unfiltered. I figured that would be best for you.

But you should be able to use the Heinz. My mom told me that my grandmother used to give my father acv for his leg cramps and she used Heinz. So no need to go out and buy Braggs if you got some.

I use Braggs and have always used it, so I don't know.

Here is a link to some benefits of Braggs ACV (i'm sure it's the same for all acvs): http://www.bragg.com/products/applecidervinegar.html

Yeah it probably would help to take it everyday even if you don't run. It has many benefits. Including aiding in digestion.

[djackso]

Olympic sprinters don't run everyday. Exercise breaksdown the muscles & if you don't let them recover you experience cramps & you legs feel dead without any spring in them. Run on Mon,Wed, Fri & do upperbody on Tues & Thur.

[que90nek]

Originally posted by djackso
Olympic sprinters don't run everyday. Exercise breaksdown the muscles & if you don't let them recover you experience cramps & you legs feel dead without any spring in them. Run on Mon,Wed, Fri & do upperbody on Tues & Thur.

i agree...when you talked about OVER DOING IT...i didnt know u were runnin everyday...

i had the same issue when i aerobicized EVERYDAY....
my legs eventually started to complain and i had to quit all together....now i try to get back in it though.

[mystkev]

did you try any of the suggestions in this thread?

Have they helped w/your leg cramps?

or

Did you find a solution that is not mentioned in this thread?

[dulce]

Hey myst, the apple cider and more stretching plus NEW running shoes seem to be working...ok, maybe not the shoes - they're just cute! - but your suggestions did help. I think I'm building up my endurance so that's making a difference.

[mystkev]

I'm glad to hear this information.