More running advice...

cleanbluesky · 4 Jun 2006 at 15:48

Having extended my regular runs now up to 7.5m I am still having a problem with stitches/cramps in my legs...

I noticed that my legs were hurting for a few days afterwards, and that it was in specific 'lines' down my calf rather than the whole muscle itself...

What I think is happening is that I am having stitch/cramp type things as I run that I am just not paying too much attention to, and then running through them - excercising THROUGH the cramps causes mild damage that takes a few days to heal up...

I stretch fully before a run, and have both a warm-up and cool-down - can anyone reccommend any other way of avoiding cramps or stitches?

cleanbluesky · 4 Jun 2006 at 17:41

Voy06 said:
What about you eating habits. Do you eat before a run? Do you eat too much? If you have eaten do you give yourself a couple of hours before you start to run? Do you drink plenty?

I do often eat before a run.
I usually drink a lot after a run.

I know people who run around the park as I do employ different breathing techniques. Could help.

I've read about this, but I am unsure what you would mean by breathing techniques?

cleanbluesky · 4 Jun 2006 at 18:28

IceBus said:
Also, are you fully stretching out your calves?

I stretch my calves for about 15- 20 seconds in each position, and use about 3 positions to stretch lower calf, upper calf (soleus, gastrocnemius respectively) and an overall stretch that a physio reccommended... doesn't seem to have effected what happens.

Perhaps I need to be very concious about a cramp coming on, then stop running and stretch it...

cleanbluesky · 4 Jun 2006 at 20:03

Okay, drink plenty and breathe slowly

cleanbluesky · 4 Jun 2006 at 20:20

Tony Soprano said:
It sounds to me like you are not staying hydrated as you jog which will lead to you getting cramps. Bring a small bottle of water with you and take small sips as you jog, otherwise you'll let your body dehydrate and it will affect your jogging. Number 1 rule, never let yourself dehydate, it's better to stay hydrated than drinks lots of water straight after exercising.

It could be... the running is the only thing that I do for an extended peroid constantly... and I dont usually take liquid with me. I would run up to an hour and not drink until i get back...