Posted: 7/31/2009 6:32:19 AM EDT
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I have started up with the exercise again. For the last couple of months I have been doing the walk / jog thing. I have been having a problem with my calves cramping when I'm jogging and I am trying to figure out the cause of it. I added more warm up time to my routine. It is now stretch, then walk half a mile, then stretch again before I get to jogging. I recently started using a pull over neoprene sleeve for my left calve, which cramps the most. It helps a lot, but still it will get tight. Second half of my run I tend to loosen up and feel better so I was thinking I am just not getting warmed up enough.
But I was talking to a co-worker and they suggested the problem could be a dietary deficiency that is showing up in my calves. They suggested I try taking multivitamins / supplements. Does this sound right? I currently do not take any thing. If so what supplements would you suggest I try? Thanks. |
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Have you ran / jogged regularly in the past?
If so, how long ago? If you are new to this exercise routine it can tak ea few months to work out the kinks in your ergonomics and get your stride correct. When I first started running seriously it took probably 6 months of tweaking things until I got it right. Hydration is the first thing you should consider (common symptom of running dry is cramps) Past that, consider the shoes you wear (are they wearing evenly) Do you get any kind of blisters? Knee pain (even minor?) If its dietary, try to focus on good carbs and lots of potassium...drink water and make sure you arent dry. If you start to think it might be physiological, go to a local running pro-shop and have them evaluate your stride. An expert can watch you run on a treadmill and tell you what might be causing issues if its an ergonomic problem. Good luck |
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Quoted:
Have you ran / jogged regularly in the past? If so, how long ago? If you are new to this exercise routine it can tak ea few months to work out the kinks in your ergonomics and get your stride correct. When I first started running seriously it took probably 6 months of tweaking things until I got it right. I've been running again for about 3 months now. It's been about 3-4 years since I did it last. Could be that I'm about 20 pounds heavier then when I last did this. Hydration is the first thing you should consider (common symptom of running dry is cramps) Not sure on this one. I do make an effort to drink well on the days I am going to jog. Problem is more at the start then later in the run. Some times by the middle of the run it's like the skys open up and suddenly I can just go. I have been thinking of making my warm up a mile instead of a half. Past that, consider the shoes you wear (are they wearing evenly) Do you get any kind of blisters? Knee pain (even minor?) Calves were a problem then but not nearly as bad as now. Just replaced worn out shoes about a month ago. No blisters. Knee soreness more then pain, but after about 5 min, goes away. If its dietary, try to focus on good carbs and lots of potassium...drink water and make sure you arent dry. If you start to think it might be physiological, go to a local running pro-shop and have them evaluate your stride. An expert can watch you run on a treadmill and tell you what might be causing issues if its an ergonomic problem. I'll see if I can find a shop around here to give that a try. Next time I'm at the mall I'll stop by GNC and see what they recomend. Good luck Thanks for the feedback. |
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Just to rule out the dehydration....get some gatorade endurance formula (extra potassium) and drink a bottle about 20 minutes before your workout. The 1/2 mile walk is exactly what I do...its a good warm up. Do the walk, stop and stretch lightly for a minute or two, then set out on your circuit. If you are still having issues after downing a sport drink just prior to your workout its probably not dehydration.
What kind of milage are we talking about? Unless you are getting above 5 miles on a warm day you should be ok. |
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I have this problem when I don't run fast enough. There is a spot between walking and running where my calves will cramp up. I just run a little faster and the issue seems to go away. Also, do you have decent running shoes?? Most shoes are only good for about 400 miles... They can also deteriorate from sitting around for years without use. Maybe that is part of your problem too. |