I’m taking a couple of rest days because of my calves, but it’s going to be really hard to do.
My 20-miler is looming, and the thought of not running at all this week (taking off Tuesday and Wednesday, and can’t run Thursday because it’s the day before my 20-miler), is frightening. In fact, I may try to run a little Wednesday evening — just a couple miles — to make sure they are feeling better.
I’ve been doing a lot of reading and listening (to your advice), and I’m trying it all: massage, hydration, nutrition, rest, stretching. I started taking my vitamins again last night. I quit taking them several weeks ago because they were making me nauseous. But I’ll deal with that if it helps my calves (and ultimately gets me to my marathon healthy).
This morning on my way to work, I took my vitamins, massaged my calves, and started off the day with 44 ounces of water. Then I had a second cup of coffee (mostly because I was freezing). I was sitting at my desk before lunch and my calves started cramping! I massaged them, but it didn’t seem to help. Then, I drank some Nuun and I think that’s working. I wonder if it’s a salt issue.
Normally, on my long runs, I fill one of my pods with Nuun. I didn’t do that this time. I took a GU and a PowerGel on my 14-miler on Friday, but no Nuun. I don’t think that’s the first time I’ve gone without Nuun, though, so I’m not sure. Maybe because it was so warm out on Friday. Maybe I needed more salt because I lost more?
Oh, and Mr. T got me some gel heel lifts for my shoes. I’m willing to try whatever! If all this doesn’t work, then I’ll go see a professional.
I want to do some sort of cross training in lieu of running this week, but I’m not sure what to do. Something that doesn’t use the calf muscles. Any suggestions?
12 comments
I hope all those things help! Try taking your vitamins right before bed. My prenatals made me feel sick and when I switched to taking it at bedtime I slept through that and felt better by morning. Good luck!!
Glad you're feeling a bit better about everything, exploring your options and getting some rest. Try upping your salt and taking more fluids with electrolytes before/during/after runs. GOOD LUCK!
I instantly think “dehydration” when I hear calf cramping. As we train all winter long and then the temps get warmer, our calves are the first to tell us (and stomachs) that we are dehydrated. It could be many other things but start with trying to drink a lot (a gallon a day) of water. Another thing that screams at me is your form and how you run. A friend of mine has been a toe running for eternity and one day it just all caught up to him with major calf cramps. Stretch the calves out a lot this week and I'm praying that all is happy come long-run day. A forced time off for a few days isn't hurting anything, so don't stress about that!
LOVE nuun!
swimming swimming swimming if you can find an indoor pool. If you have a life jacket too I hear water running is AMAZING and gives you the same cardiovascular workout as running with the same muscle use except without the impact.For the record, when deena kastor was injured she did a TON of water running so you know it's legit ;)I'll keep you (or your calf more specifically) in my thoughts the next week!
OMG. Thank you guys!
I second the comment to try the vitamin before bed, I had to do that with Birth control pills to prevent nausea, it worked, by the time I would be nauseous I was asleep :PI found myself dehydrated on Friday, and I drank about 10% more water than usual, we gained 10-13 degrees on Friday and I know my body wasn't used to it and we are supposed to get another 10-12 this weekend over last, so drink up.
calf cramping sounds like dehydration to me! get some rest and drink more! not running during the week will be absolutely fine!! Don't worry! it only makes things worse!
Do you have access to a pool? Swimming might be good cross training.
I triple the swim recommendation!
Swim! i swam last week and was so tired! It is a good workout!! I bet your cramps will subside. Give it time. How many days ha this been happening now? It could be teh Nuun, or the lact there of. That stuff has good stuff in it. Definitely don't leave it behind on your 20 miler!!!
Yes, love the Nuun! Good luck with the 20 miles!I also sometimes use it the day before a long run to make sure I have enough to begin with. It may just be a mental thing, tho.