Long run today. The weather was great, 50 degrees and a very slight wind. My legs were pretty tired by the end. I'm trying to slowly build up my mileage.Is there a certain point (distance) when a person should eat during a long run?
As far as eating during a run, it's completely up to the runner. I've done 15 mile runs with a little food mixed in, and I've done 25-milers without food. If you are at a point in your running where you feel like you're "bonking" toward the end, take a little food along or stash some gatorade along the course for a few extra calories and a sugar rush. In a marathon, you'll probably have a couple of caloric intake options along the way, and if you ever do an ultra, you'll have more food than you'll know what to do with at the aid stations, so it would probably be worth while to make sure your stomach can handle taking in the food while running, but, as with all things in this crazy sport, every runner is different, and trial and error will probably be the best way to find out just what fits you best. Personally, once the mileage gets close to 20 or more, I love eating on the run...
Generally the cramps that I get (usually in my legs) stem from a lack of salt. Side stitches, on the other hand, are usually caused by a lack of water. When and where are you cramping?
At faster paces you stretch your legs out more and get a larger range of motion, thereby preventing yourself from stiffening up.
As far as the cramps, I've started trying to bring along some source of salt/sodium during my long runs in the form of either salt pills or simply little bags of salt. If you try to get some more water and salt during the runs, you might be able to alleviate the cramps a little. Good luck!
Mike, I eat when I start to get a bit of a slowdown or when I start to feel a little dizzy. And then I make dang sure it's not something that's going to hurt my gut. ie-something in a paste or liquid that I'm used to in practice. Sometimes those side stitches are the result of your diapraghm muscle working overtime. And sometimes a change of form or strengthening is all it takes. As for the cramps, Rest, fluids, electrolytes in the diet over a few days. Sometimes cramps are confused with some minor tearing and swelling of the muscles also. Rest and time my friend.. Helps maybe?
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