Russell Turner | Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After

Life in The Rural Retreat with a beautiful wife, three cats, garden wildlife, a camera, a computer – and increasing amounts about running

Earlier posts can be found on Adventures of a Lone Bass Player, where this blog began life. Recent entries can be found here.

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Cramping My Style

by Russell Turner - 17:24 on 14 February 2018

Matchgirl would have been proud of me this morning (almost). Despite the icy wind that howled across the garden I prepared for the first run of Week 8 of marathon training with my usual stretches, ready to brave the cold and show some mental toughness. Then sleet began to fall. I’m not that brave.

The run finally took place in the afternoon when the icy wind still howled but precipitation of any kind had ceased. The schedule called for an easy 40 minutes; as usual I planned to add the extra couple of minutes to round up the distance to four miles. This was not to be.

The wind was no fun but I got into a rhythm and plodded along. After 39 minutes all the hard work was done. I turned the corner and began the descent of the road that passes The Rural Retreat, just three minutes away. Then I felt a twinge in my calf muscle.

Don’t panic – nothing had torn or split but I knew cramp would attack me if I ran another half-dozen steps. I stopped, stretched the leg, then tried to walk it off, which I’d done by the time I got home. The muscle still felt a bit solid but I’d staved off a full-blown attack.

Why it happened today, when I’ve run much further in the past, is a mystery. Lack of water, salt or carbohydrate are a few possibilities, according to Dr Google, or maybe I’m not used to afternoon running any more. I could blame the new Hilly socks which arrived today in time for me to try the least worst pair: one was too tight, although they’ll probably give a bit with wear, the other – the one I wore – was OK but seemed no bigger or better than the Asics socks I’ve used since October.

At least I did the full 40 minutes. I wouldn’t want Matchgirl to think I’m slacking while she’s hard at work in Shetland.

Comment from Matchgirl at 20:38 on 14 February 2018.

You were very sensible to have stopped running as soon as it twinged - nice to see that you've learned from my mistakes! Ice it if it feels like a strain, use heat on it if it feels like it was cramp. Make sure that you warm them up properly before running and spend a bit longer stretching them after the run. And don't even bother with the too-tight socks. If they're too tight now, they'll be even tighter during a run. Take yourself and your shoes to Run4It and try on their sock choices. (And I am indeed proud of you for getting out in rubbish weather!) xxx

Comment from Russell at 22:34 on 14 February 2018.

It was definitely the start of cramp. I can still feel it a bit now but should be OK in the morning. That's what happens when I run in bad weather.

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