Questions and Answers

Q: I have recently begun doing some long-distance running, but have had problems with leg cramps toward the end of a couple of races. Any suggestions?

Since they come on late in a race, the most likely causes are fatigue and/or dehydration. A sports drink before and during a race is often recommended to counteract this. Also, a lack of adequate stretching is another possible reason for cramping. During a typical 12-16 mile run, your feet hit the ground (and your calf muscles shorten/contract) thousands of times. Consequently, stretching before and after your runs is very important. A good exercise to both stretch and strengthen your calf muscle is to stand with the ball of one foot on the edge of a step while you hold onto the railing. Alternately raise and drop the heel several times as far as it will go, then switch feet.

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