Question

How can I avoid muscle cramping during long runs?

Half marathon Muscle Cramping

When I reach mile 12 or so of a half-marathon or long run, my right calf cramps up, and has for years. What do you think of electrolyte replacement drinks, which promise an end to cramping. Information I’ve read in the past seems to indicate that the causes of cramping remain uncertain and therefore I’m skeptical of a surefire remedy. I’d like to cease experiencing these calf cramps but I shy away from electrolyte overloading. After all, I use Gu and PowerBars, yet the cramps remain.

Leonard Wilson
Grand Rapids, MI