I am getting quad cramps toward the end of interval workouts. I don't seem to get them as much in distance work.
One of my favorite workouts is 25 x 66 yds on 2 minutes. The first ten are usually 50 sec and then I slow to 55. I start cramping on the 20th rep. It happens on push off when the quads want to lock up and also the calfs a bit less. It ends up ending my workout. I notice that if I extend the rest interval longer (because I am talking to someone....or just plain stalling), it brings on the cramping earlier and worse. Is a minute rest a no no? Should I lessen the intensity and reduce rest for this workout?
Yes I eat bannanas and drink plenty. Why the legs and not the upper body muscles?? When I used to run intervals sometimes I would get chest cramping of all the places, but never the legs!! how ironic.
Parents
Former Member
If you drink coffee, the caffine is negating all that water drinking you're doing.
Current research says that caffeine is not a diuretic. They tested people who drank water and those who drank coffee. The output was the same. Not true for alcohol and some diet drinks (aspartame, I believe but can't swear to) As a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, dehydration is a factor we watch very closely.
I had bad cramping, especially in cold water when pushing off the wall, I started taking small amounts of prune juice at night and have had relief. If you check the label, you'll see it provides a huge amount of sotassium which is better then sodium for preventing cramping.
If you drink coffee, the caffine is negating all that water drinking you're doing.
Current research says that caffeine is not a diuretic. They tested people who drank water and those who drank coffee. The output was the same. Not true for alcohol and some diet drinks (aspartame, I believe but can't swear to) As a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, dehydration is a factor we watch very closely.
I had bad cramping, especially in cold water when pushing off the wall, I started taking small amounts of prune juice at night and have had relief. If you check the label, you'll see it provides a huge amount of sotassium which is better then sodium for preventing cramping.
