Running - Does anyone use S! Camps or something like that

jporche77
jporche77 Posts: 32 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all.

I'm currently training for my second 1/2 marathon. But when I trained this winter I noticed I would always get really bad calf cramps. I read up on it and the problem could be from losing sodium when I run. I sweat A LOT so that seems to make sense. And I absolutely can't stomach gatorade.

Does anyone have any advice on replenishing salt when you run. Someone I talked with mentioned S Caps wondering if that would help.

Thanks in advance

Replies

  • nwhitley
    nwhitley Posts: 619
    There are salt tablets- don't know the name of them but any running store would probably have them. Never had to use them myself. I will sometimes get cramps in my foot or calf and my doctor told me to eat more bananas b/c it is probably from a lack of potassium or magnesium. They can also be caused by dehydration, but I drink lots of water so I know that wasn't it for me.
  • jporche77
    jporche77 Posts: 32 Member
    Thanks!

    I drink a ton of water so I knew also it wasn't dehydration. I have been doing more bananas as well. This time around I want to enjoy running and end in pain half way through.
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    I've not used S-Caps, specifically, but I've used Endurolytes, which are similar. They have saved me on many a long, hot, Summer bike ride. I'll do some mix of those + water + sport drink, depending upon what I can stomach. Gatorade Endurance formula is good, but is REALLY sweet. The capsule form electrolytes are good when you get tired of sweet drinks and just want water.
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    I should add that it's calf cramps that killed any interest in running marathons for me. I ran 3 full ones and would always end up with cramps by 22 miles in. It didn't matter how slowly I ran or how well-trained I was. I couldn't keep up with the rate of sweat and electrolyte loss. I ran the Flying Pig HM a couple weekends ago and even though I was running slower than my usual training pace (it was hot and humid) I started to feel my right calf talking by mile 10...that tightening spasm that happens before the cramps set-in. I'd been drinking sports drink at pretty much every aid station, too.
  • drog2323
    drog2323 Posts: 1,343 Member
    Vega makes all natural electrolyte powder. Works well for me on bike rides longer than an hour.
  • delilah47
    delilah47 Posts: 1,658
    Sounds like you need to use electrolyte drinks. Salt is one electrolyte and there's also potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Anyway, if you are in shape, you should listen to your body. Something isn't quite right and your body is trying to tell you. I'm not a doctor, but if it continues, I would go to a sports doctor and find out what's causing discomfort.


    Here is an interesting article: http://www.active.com/running/Articles/How_to_deal_with_cramping_during_your_marathon.htm
  • jporche77
    jporche77 Posts: 32 Member
    Thank you everyone.

    FYI it's calf cramps....and it BLOWS
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