Running with cramps?

[anon_wannabe]

If I cramp up during a run, do I risk injuring myself if I keep running (and pushing myself - not just jogging)?

I know how to prevent cramps, I'm wondering if it's safe to ignore them entirely.

[mtgman]

Where are you cramping? Side, hamstrings, calves, etc.? If it's in your legs, try stopping and stretching them out from time to time. Also, try drinking more water before, during, and after you runs.. Cramps can be caused by dehydration. Maybe eat a banana or something with potassium in it about 20 minutes before a run.

[anon_wannabe]

Mostly my sides cramp up when I run. I don't get cramps at all if I remember to not drink/eat anthing 3 hours prior to my run. It's not a huge deal right now, since they're pretty easily prevented.

However, I know that during BUD/S it'll be almost non-stop physical activity, so I won't have to option of not drinking/eating prior to a tough run/swim/PT session.

I figure that if I get used to cramps now, it'll be one less thing working against me at BUD/S. I just want to make sure I'm not risking any physical damage by doing so.

[mtgman]

You NEED to eat or drink something prior to and sometimes during a run. Not eating or drinking, especially before a run in the summertime can be very dangerous. If you are getting side cramps, you just need to keep running and get in better shape. But not eating and drinking that long before running can lead to dehydration and more cramping.

[BigTex05]

Cramps in your sides are caused by not enough air/too much CO2, is what I was told. Breath slower and deeper. When I start cramping up right there I'll try to blow all my air out and then get a some fresh air back in. Works for me. Avoid taking short breaths. As far as running through the cramp..medically I can tell you I have no idea..but from experience, I run through it and try to get my breathing going.

[anon_wannabe]

I drink around 4-5 liters of water per day, so I don't think 2-3 hours without water (and with a run) will hurt me. I don't think I've ever gotten cramps from dehydration, but I always get them when I drink or eat too soon before I run.


If you are getting side cramps, you just need to keep running and get in better shape.


If I get in good enough shape, I'll stop getting side cramps? I'm a little sceptical on that one. I've made significant improvements in just about ever area of fitness over the last couple months, and I haven't noticed any changes in the frequency or severity of side cramps at all.

Is there anyone here that can chug a glass of water, go on a tough run, and NOT cramp up?

[KWard]

From what I had read in Runner's World magazine, cramps in your stomache/side are due to week abdominal muscles. If it is in your side then I would recommend working specifically on strengthening up your obliques. I used to have these problems and I started doing more ab workouts and it helped.

I am not a doctor or a sports therapist or physician though, so there is a chance I am wrong. It can't hurt trying it, right?

[anon_wannabe]

I never work my obliques, so that would make sense. I'm not sure how not drinking water prior to exercise could prevent muscle pain, but who cares - if it doesn't work, I still get stronger obliques.

Thanks for the advice!

[mtgman]

I'm not sure how not drinking water prior to exercise could prevent muscle pain

Here ya go:
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/leg_injuries/a/leg8.htm
(Read all the way to the bottom, especially the part about preventing muscle cramps.)

[anon_wannabe]

Interesting article. I'm still a little confused; the article says to "hydrate appropriately" to prevent muscle cramps, but I ONLY get them if I drink immediately prior to a run.

[brandon_12]

Kind of like BigTex05 said. When you're running try to take very deep breaths. I don't necessarily let it completely out but i know that when you take deep breaths it will take your cramps away. I use this method on my fast runs.. Try it out, i bet it will work. There are different reasons why you could cramp up, but one of the reasons is b/c of not enough oxygen.
A guy who is at ST-2 right now told me that i better get used to eating a **** load then going out and running b/c after you eat at BUD/s you're pretty much on the run..

[ameridan]

Sounds to me like you need to work on your
-breathing
-basic conditioning

Don't fret I'm in the same boat I haven't been working out and am just starting again.

Try getting a nice 7:30/mile pace and breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth.
Steady breathing is key, do not let your body control you -- control your body. When you control your breathing running gets easier and cramps should go away after you have been running for a while.

Also if you get a side cramp in a run just relax, get a nice steady pace, and run through it... the cramp should go away after a bit.

Dan

[anon_wannabe]

I've been working on my obliques, and I haven't cramped up at all since.

Thanks for the info guys. This is one less thing I'll have to deal with at BUD/S.