Running Cramps and heat exhaustion

Sometimes leg cramps and running cramps can be a sign that you've been doing a little too much, haven't taken in enough fluid, run out of energy or a combination of a number of these factors.

The important thing to know is that while the leg cramps may be painful, if you've been overdoing it in the elements, then they may help you.

Put simply, when you get running cramps, the body is telling you to slow down, rehydrate and get more energy to the muscle cells.

One common problem with exercising in hot weather is heat exhaustion.Symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, a weak but rapid pulse and headaches.

And if heat exhaustion is not treated quickly heat stroke can follow, causing extremely high body temperature, red and dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, brain damage, loss of consciousness and death.