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running newb getting cramp
billcomer
Posts: 7
in General Chat
Hi there,
I have my first tri in a few weeks - the sprint at Nantwich.
I am reasonably fit doing plenty of cycling and am getting back into the swimming with no problems.
I have always hated running and do no running sports at all.
I attempted to do my 3rd run last night. the last was a week ago.
After 1km I got what seems like bad cramp in the muscle just below/behind my right calf.
It is still painfull to walk on now.
Any idea what I can do to alleviate this.
My thoughts are to avoid any more running training until after the triathlon
and just do the best I can on the day probably with plenty of walking.
Then try gradually and gently get back into running after I have recoverred.
I have my first tri in a few weeks - the sprint at Nantwich.
I am reasonably fit doing plenty of cycling and am getting back into the swimming with no problems.
I have always hated running and do no running sports at all.
I attempted to do my 3rd run last night. the last was a week ago.
After 1km I got what seems like bad cramp in the muscle just below/behind my right calf.
It is still painfull to walk on now.
Any idea what I can do to alleviate this.
My thoughts are to avoid any more running training until after the triathlon
and just do the best I can on the day probably with plenty of walking.
Then try gradually and gently get back into running after I have recoverred.
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Comments
Have you got decent newish running shoes?
I had an old pair of decent running shoes (5 years old) and when I upped my running to 10km I had major pain in the lower calfs/achilles, which Mrs L (a physio) diagnosed as a probable shoe/gait problem.
So off to the running shop for a new pair and oh my god the difference is amazing - it felt as if I had been running in concrete shoes with no spring/bounce at all.
So check your running shoes and make sure that they are suitable for your gait.
Apart from that I can't offer much help I am afraid, but there are plenty of threads on here about cramp, so I'm sure someone will be able to offer some pearls of wisdom.
They seem comfortable enough but perhaps a trip to a running shop might be a good idea.
Cheers.
As a thought - do you run on your toes?
There's lots of advice on running technique - it always used to be the case that a positive heelstrike was considered best whereas now the trend seems to be for more of a mid foot strike as that lessens stress on the knees, however the further forward you land, the more stress it puts on the calf and achilles - I'm no expert on this, it's just the advice I was given on a coaching course a while ago.
Anyway, back to your cramp - have a think about your running gait and also consider your flexibility - do you ever stop and stretch your calf muscles after warming up? This might help. Also, try and relax when you're running.
Like you I am not a runner - I only do it because I want to do Triathlon and it comes as part of the package. I get cramp off the bike, in both calf muscles usually for the first 10 -15 mins and it's pretty grim. Despite being a girlie I have what my hubby calls "rugby players calves" - I think he means big & chunky - so when they cramp up I really know it! Stretching helps loads.
Sorry I can't offer any more useful advice - the only other thing I would say is shoes are really important - but don't get talked into spending a fortune! I bought my first few pairs from a good shop and now I know what ones I want, I buy them online from a site that sells off last years colours - so they are cheaper. (I'm so not into the "I have to have the latest stuff" brigade (sorry....)
hope you find some answers