running cramps

[offender]

i just started getting into a running routine. basically it's doing HIIT for a while then doing full on distance running. anyway i keep getting cramps and i've learned it's from exhaling when your right foot hits the ground.

so i'm trying to focus on releasing on the left foot but jesus christ what a pain. anyone else have to teach themselves this? about how long did it take to become natural??

thanks

[tryfuhl]

breath control is something that'll definitely take awhile

you can also try stretching the diaphragm by getting FULL breaths in and out.. also breathe out against pressure (such as pursing your lips and breathing out)\

[Kinks]

it's from exhaling when your right foot hits the ground.

never heard that before.

it's best to run on an emptyish stomach - not when you're hungry but make sure it's at least an hour since you last ate. don't drink lots of water either, sip it slowly during exercise. and if you do start to get a cramp, slow to a walk and put both hands on top of your head until it goes.

make sure your running posture is decent too.

[Adrian]

That's weird, developing a system for running. What's the most common one?

[RedDawg]

when i cramp i'll slow down slightly but stay at a jogging pace and just "run through" the cramp. It should disappear after a minute or two.

[Dr. Petar]

breathe in your nose and out your mouth.
concentrate on breathing at your normal speed.
don't run tense. try to focus on your thumb and pointer finger barely touching.
drink TONS of water.

[Dr. Petar]

stretch before and after.


these are all things I was taught when I was running cross country

[Fred Smulavich]

I used to get maaad cramps while running because I'm a smoker(trying to quit, AGAIN), but just bare through it, after a couple times out they go away. Do not eat fatty/greasy foods before running or you will die.

[T-bAG]

more potassium i.e. banana

[Sexbomb]

Don't drink water before running. You can eat a little.

Ease into the run, slowdown till it subsides, all these things work.

[albinofish]

sodium + potassium + h2o

Running 101

I did XC for a few years and heard about the right foot thing but never paid any attention to it. Solid breathing along with above formula and you should be fine.

[Gorilla]

Believe it or not, I find I cramp more if I stretch before I run. It was the same with hockey. Eventually for hockey I would lightly stretch to avoid groin pulls, but nothing more. I'm starting to do the same now with running.

I think my body just likes to revolt against the norm :)