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Subject:
Calf Cramps
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JmacTN
Joined: 10/08/06
Outdoorzy Maniac
Nashville, TN
Posts: 221
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Posted: 07/16/07 6:06pm |
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I went running today with my new running shoes and my calves started to cramp up. They always cramp up when I run, but the new running shoes allowed me to run longer before the crampping started. I don't know what to do about this. I stretch before I run, but maybe not good enough? What are some good stretches for the calves? Anything else I should try?
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Goose
Joined: 02/01/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Hampshire, UK
Posts: 34
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Posted: 07/16/07 7:25pm |
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Firstly, cramp aside, don't be tempted to stretch too hard before your run, unless you're fully warmed up. Maybe do a gentle five minutes and then stretch. By all means stretch like crazy afterwards before you cool down.
The best stretch for calves I know is the "door handle" stretch:
Stand in front of a closed door, and hold the door handle with both hands. Put your weight on your "non-stretching" leg, about 12" from the door, bend your knee a little, allowing you to lift and place your your "stretching leg", knee fully straightened, heel on the floor, ball on the door. Your sole should be at about 45 degrees. Now you're in position stand up fully on your "non-stretching" leg to apply the stretch to your calf. To increase the stretch pull your hips nearer the door handle. Both heels stay on the floor at all times. Hold fifteen seconds, switch and repeat.
However, cramp is more likely to have more to do with run preparation and mechanics than purely a lack of stretching.
Regarding preparation, is your diet particularly low in salt? Have you tried using an electrolyte sports drink before and during your workout? If you're not into supplements, a slice of toast with peanut butter before your run might help you along.
Regarding mechanics, you might be relying too much on your calves for forward propulsion (springing off your toes). Do your running shoes show signs of heavy wear in the ball of the foot? Instead of pushing yourself along from your toes, try pulling yourself along from your heels and mid-foot (using your backside muscles and hamstrings). This can be hard to effect, experiment with lowering and straightening your arms to slow, lengthen and lower your gait.
Good luck.
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Wade
Joined: 07/23/06
Outdoorzy Original
Bowling Green, KY
Posts: 829
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Posted: 07/16/07 8:45pm |
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Goose should be a trainer!
Good point on the electorlyte drink. I tend to forget to charge up BEFORE the run, and try to refuel after. But both are important.
I'm a lover, not a racer... --Wade
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FlatTopFred
Joined: 10/27/06
Outdoorzy Explorer
Louisville, KY
Posts: 43
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Posted: 07/17/07 9:46pm |
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Jmac,
Adding to what Goose said; I would like to know that you went to a 'true' running store and were fitted for a shoe that suited your style of runnning. Those folks know their stuff and can be very helpful. (Unlike the big box sporting good stores.)
I usually eat a one or two bananas daily. That and a diluted Gatorade as soon as I finish running seem to have done the trick for me.
Good luck!
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JmacTN
Joined: 10/08/06
Outdoorzy Maniac
Nashville, TN
Posts: 221
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Posted: 07/17/07 10:36pm |
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Quote:
Jmac,
Adding to what Goose said; I would like to know that you went to a 'true' running store and were fitted for a shoe that suited your style of runnning. Those folks know their stuff and can be very helpful. (Unlike the big box sporting good stores.)
I usually eat a one or two bananas daily. That and a diluted Gatorade as soon as I finish running seem to have done the trick for me.
Good luck!
I went to Fleet Feet in Brentwood. Several runners around here recommended them. They measured my feet and watched me walk and run. I then tried on five different pairs of shoes and ran in each one. The shoes I went with are comfortable and are supportive. I bought the shoes on Monday, so they are brand new.
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wkumtrider
Joined: 10/02/06
Outdoorzy Maniac
Da Ville, KY
Posts: 337
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Wade
Joined: 07/23/06
Outdoorzy Original
Bowling Green, KY
Posts: 829
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JmacTN
Joined: 10/08/06
Outdoorzy Maniac
Nashville, TN
Posts: 221
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Posted: 07/18/07 8:05pm |
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Quote: Uh oh, Fleet Feet! 
What's wrong with Fleet Feet?
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wkumtrider
Joined: 10/02/06
Outdoorzy Maniac
Da Ville, KY
Posts: 337
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Posted: 07/18/07 10:03pm |
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Nothing. Its a joke for Flattopfred. He would understand.
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FlatTopFred
Joined: 10/27/06
Outdoorzy Explorer
Louisville, KY
Posts: 43
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Posted: 07/27/07 6:16pm |
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Fleet Feet sells a good product and they have a knowledgable staff. I am a member of a running club that affiliates themselves with another running shoe store. That' all.
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