Help with Half Marathon issue please

[luvdiz2]

I am looking for some advice.

Did the Donald this year with no issues and stayed on for the Princess (first time). The Princess was quite a bit warmer but I had problems I think were related.

About mile 6/7 my toes started cramping. I am a walker, so I adjusted my stride to help stretch it and it went away. When it came back, I figured I better get poweraide (all the sports drinks give me severe stomach cramps but the rest of the water stops I watered it down and the stomach seemed ok). The cramps in the toes continued off and on, but was dealable.

I always run the finish from the corner just before you run straight, this time though I suddenly got calf cramps so badly I almost thought I wouldn't finish, or would have to crawl. I limped across.

My question, what the heck happened and what do I need to do to prepare for next time? I was also taking tons of water and Blocs. Thanks!

 

[Bookwood]

I don't know when and how you hydrated for Princess but I might guess (being that it was warm, and nearer the end of the race) that sodium might have been an issue. Especially if you only took water. I sweat quite alot and have found a little packet of salt (I like the ones I liberate from Arbys- or at least that style, little packets. 'Cause the ones I liberated from McDonalds (the corrigated type) always seem to break in my pocket. Both DD#2 and I popped one in to suck on about mile 7-8 this year and it's the first time in 12 half marathons I didn't have a cramp in my calf either during the race or as soon as I stopped. If you don't sweat alot a sports drink maybe the answer.

 

[luvdiz2]

I do sweat A LOT. When I cool down you can feel the salt grinding on my face and can taste it. I did hydrate well before and wondered the next day if salt was the answer. I will carry one of those salt packs just in case - thanks!

 

[John VN]

Goofy walker here and I will be carrying some salted pretzel bites in a fuel belt pouch along with sports beans next time out. Can't take direct salt intake on my tongue. I also sew Velcro on open areas of belt and put a little piece of sticky back Velcro on the GU packs to attach packets to belt.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I like to carry Endurolytes with me. It is a capsule that contains the electrolytes. Don't forget to really hydrate the week of your event, not just during the event. Be very aware of the amounts of water/ade you take to avoid hyponatrimia. I sweat a ton and will usually drink a gulp or 2 alternating water/ade at stops. Also I do Gu to try to stay on top of things, I just don't usually take that much Gu. If you have the GI issues, try Endurolytes.

 

[luvdiz2]

Thanks, never heard of them. I've done two Mickey's and three Donalds and never had an issue. Nice to be prepared!