Running Questions

Dhellia
Dhellia Posts: 84 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I started running last year and completed C25K, even running a 5K. I didn't do much from Oct-March then I started up C25K again in the end of March. Now I'm having an awful time of it though. I've run 5k but is absolutely grueling and sometimes I get calf cramps. I do stretch and warm up beforehand too!

The only differences from last year to this year is that I gained some weight back and this year I run outside and on treadmill but last year it was only outside.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to up my stamina or what I may be doing wrong? Besides the obvious of loosing weight.
Thanks!

Replies

  • lcyama
    lcyama Posts: 209 Member
    the calf cramps might be from trying to do too much too soon. i've gotten them when i add mileage or speed too quickly. slow down, and gradually build your weekly mileage back up, so you only increase your mileage by 10% each week.
  • TAsunder
    TAsunder Posts: 423 Member
    Your form might be different when running outside. Also, your speed might be different. Are your shoes still in good condition (are the treads worn?) Last but not least, I don't know the weather trends in Manitoba, but if it's hot and humid out, that can lead to more muscle cramping and more dehydration than you might experience inside.
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    I was having the calf cramp thing! I'm doing a C210K and I missed one run. ONE RUN and the next one turned into a walk where I wished I had my cell to call someone to pick me up. But nope. Walked home.

    Interestingly, the boot camp class I did the next day fixed it. I guess the movements and stretches were right. I don't know what happened. Anyway... I'm mostly here to see suggestions to prevent this from happening again.

    ETA: MANITOBA!? (I see on someone else's post). I shall add you now, fellow Manitoban!
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    I started running last year and completed C25K, even running a 5K. I didn't do much from Oct-March then I started up C25K again in the end of March. Now I'm having an awful time of it though. I've run 5k but is absolutely grueling and sometimes I get calf cramps. I do stretch and warm up beforehand too!

    The only differences from last year to this year is that I gained some weight back and this year I run outside and on treadmill but last year it was only outside.

    Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to up my stamina or what I may be doing wrong? Besides the obvious of loosing weight.
    Thanks!

    Slow down, don't stretch before hand unless it is a form of active stretching. Sounds like a classic case of "I'll just pick up where I left off" and running (or any kind of working out) doesn't work like that, especially after a 6mo break.

    What has your running looked like from March until now, and how recent are the cramps?
  • Dhellia
    Dhellia Posts: 84 Member
    Thanks for all the suggestions. It is quite warm out in Manitoba right now about 30C during the day so I tend to go to the gym (although my gym doesn't feel much cooler!). I'll drink more water to see if that helps.

    I didn't pick up where I left off in October I started the whole C25K over again. I just feel like I'm going to die by the time I get to the end of the last km. And I didn't so much last time. I only got calf cramps once last year and that was when I ran a new route that had some "hills" in it rather than the usual prairie-flat landscape I'm used to. I mostly get cramps on the treadmill now, not so much outside.

    Anyway, thanks for the help!
  • yc4king
    yc4king Posts: 117 Member
    If you don't feel like you're going to die at the end of your run, then you aren't done your run yet! :)

    Seriously though, if you aren't pushing your limits then you aren't improving either...

    If you're using runkeeper my handle is "mdchris", feel free to add me as a friend (here too if you want). I'm in SK and run 5k 3-5 times a week usually before work in the morning. Not quite sure what i'm going to do this winter yet...

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