Wtf cramps!?!?

[osu5312]

I keep getting cramps during track. I drink 1.5-2 liters of water a day. My potassium intake intake is around 200-300 mg a day (no idea if that's good or bad). I have no idea how much sodium i get. I never got camps during wrestling and I didn't drink practically any water, take in any sodium or potassium. What should I try upping? My guess is potassium.

[moose45]

Calcium Magnesium

[Squirrels]

I keep getting cramps during track. I drink 1.5-2 liters of water a day. My potassium intake intake is around 200-300 mg a day (no idea if that's good or bad). I have no idea how much sodium i get. I never got camps during wrestling and I didn't drink practically any water, take in any sodium or potassium. What should I try upping? My guess is potassium.

are you eating too much before running? are you eating too little? cramps can be caused by either of those. it sounds gross, but they can also be caused by not using the bathroom (#2) before running. also, how do you breathe when you run? make sure you're exhaling completely and sometimes that will help cramps.

[mjlindne]

how soon/long before running are you eating/drinking?

[osu5312]

are you eating too much before running? are you eating too little? cramps can be caused by either of those. it sounds gross, but they can also be caused by not using the bathroom (#2) before running. also, how do you breathe when you run? make sure you're exhaling completely and sometimes that will help cramps.

I eat a granola bar or something most of the time, about 10 minutes before. The breathing thing is most likely it. I breathe really quickly when I run so I more than likely don't exhale completely. I'll try tommorow. Thanks, reps.

[wrestler556]

Make sure you have a good warm up and cool down. I would also recommend 5-10 minutes of extra static stretching right before you go to sleep every night.

[mjlindne]

I eat a granola bar or something most of the time, about 10 minutes before.

A lot of people have sensitive stomachs when it comes to eating and then running. Try waiting an hour or so after the granola bar.

[wrestler556]

wait, is your problem muscle or stomach cramps?

[SportXUrbine]

I eat a granola bar or something most of the time, about 10 minutes before.

I would recommend that you give yourself at least 45 minutes before the time you run to let the food "settle". I had the same problem as you at the beginning of this track season (my first). I would eat a banana/granola bar about 15-20 minutes before I ran, I would then experience stomach cramps.

I'm not trying to act like I know exactly what to do...just trying to help based on my personal experience.

[xxsupergman25xx]

wait, is your problem muscle or stomach cramps?

yes this....if its muscle....DRINK WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if its stomach...check ur diet to less acidity.

[titdoctor]

Drink coconut water or your own pee..

[Squirrels]

I eat a granola bar or something most of the time, about 10 minutes before. The breathing thing is most likely it. I breathe really quickly when I run so I more than likely don't exhale completely. I'll try tommorow. Thanks, reps.

No prob.
And tbh, I don't think eating a granola bar 10 min before a run is your problem. As long as it's small, it shouldn't be a big deal. I used to eat a slice of pizza and a can of red bull 20 min before a 2 mile race. Some people need food in their stomach while running, some prefer an empty stomach. Find out which one you are, and either way, make sure you stay hydrated enough.

Good luck!!

[mjlindne]

No prob.
And tbh, I don't think eating a granola bar 10 min before a run is your problem. As long as it's small, it shouldn't be a big deal. I used to eat a slice of pizza and a can of red bull 20 min before a 2 mile race. Some people need food in their stomach while running, some prefer an empty stomach. Find out which one you are, and either way, make sure you stay hydrated enough.

Good luck!!

Most people cannot eat right before. That is something you have to acquire by slowly building up to it. (just like eating during running)

Pizza and redbull 20 minutes before is asinine. It wouldn't give you energy. It would take all of your blood and direct it towards digestion which would give you less energy.

[Stathakis]

2 liters of water is nothing. drink more

oh, and make sure to not have a full stomach while running. a lot of the time cramps happen, you just gotta run through it. as you get in better shape, they happen less often.

[ewitte]

Usually eat decently 1.5h before and its fine. If its too close to running I get the stomach cramps as well. The more time it takes me to build up on speed the better it is as well. Sometimes If I'm starting to get cramps, slow down for a bit and its fine. After 10-15 minutes pick the pace back up.

[osu5312]

Hmmmmmm, I've got the plan now. I'll eat 8th period since my teacher lets me. It will have the rest of 8th period and 9th to digest. Thanks.