Preventing Leg Cramps in Marathons

Be Prepared!

This article is a huge reminder to anyone planning to run a marathon that good preparation and experience with the conditions you'll be racing in is key to success.

You can get severe muscle cramps - calf cramps and leg cramps - in any environment.

The key to preventing them on race day starts with your nutrition plan at least a week before the event.

Next is a hydration plan for the conditions you're going to be facing - after all, if you're running the Hong Kong Marathon in summer, you'll need more water than running the Boston Marathon in Spring.

Next is an energy plan for the race - what are you going to eat 24 hours before the race, on race day and in the three hours before the event?

What type of Sports Drink are you going to use - an Isotonic or an Energy drink?

Is it a hilly course, have you trained enough on hills?

If you get regular calf cramps, what have you done in terms of massage therapy, flexibility and stretching to make sure the muscles are in their best shape?

And finally, if you do get a cramp during the race what exactly are you going to do to get yourself going?

If you're interested in reading more about our advice for you or anyone thinking of racing a marathon for the first time or looking to improvetheir performance, then our Running Cramp Relief website may be just what the Sports Doctor ordered.