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C25K calves cramping

MamaGab92
MamaGab92 Posts: 77 Member
edited February 27 in Fitness and Exercise
I am in my fourth week of C25K (I'm currently repeating week 3). I feel like I am progressing well. The huffing and puffing breathing thing is a thing of the past. Breathing is not a problem. I've read a lot on here and I've been taking everyone's advice to go slow to prevent injuries. I have good ($$$) shoes that I bought at a running store. I am so proud of the fact that I can now run for 2.5 minutes without walking when just a month ago I couldn't do that.

Right now my biggest concern is the fact that about half way into the workout, my calves start really cramping up. Last night my left calf in particular felt like it was hard as a rock and it was a real struggle to run. On the next walking interval I stopped and stretched it out and that helped a little bit. I've read that you should not stretch before running but should stretch really well afterward. I have been doing that and I don't notice muscle cramping after my stretching (knock on wood). However, my problem is *during* the run. Am I doing something wrong or is this just normal for muscles who haven't run in 20 years and are being pushed past their comfort zone? I'm hoping that this will gradually go away (or at least wait until much later in the workout to creep up). I feel like I could run much further if only it weren't for the cramps in my calves.

Replies

  • sloseph
    sloseph Posts: 157 Member
    stretching before a run isn't necessary BUT warming up is, do some dynamic streches before you go out to get your muscles ready

    also make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day, being dehydrated is a very common cause of cramp
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,865 Member
    Dehydration, inadequate sodium and general fitness can all contribute. It might be form, but that's less likely.

    Continue with the programme, spend a good amount of time afterwards stretching and over time it should ease.

    A foam roller might help.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,865 Member
    .... do some dynamic streches before you go out to get your muscles ready

    For C25K the five minute warm up walk should be more than enough.

    That said, towards the end of that walk it can be the time to do some high knee steps, butt kicks and walking lunges. Shouldn't be needed though.
  • MamaGab92
    MamaGab92 Posts: 77 Member
    Well, I drank 8 cups of water yesterday before the run and according to my food log it looks like I am actually going overboard with the sodium. Hmmm.
  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
    Lots and lots of water, stretch a bit before you go and LOTS when you are finished. High 5 from a c25k graduate :)
This discussion has been closed.

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