How to prevent quad cramps at end of marathon

Training Advice/Discussion Marathon

10 years ago 03/20/2014 1:38pm EDT

I ran the Philly marathon back in November and although I was fully prepared, I suffered from agonizing quad cramps from mile 21 to the finish; my body wanted to go faster but I could barely lift my legs.

2 weeks after Phila I started training for Boston. Training was going well until I trashed my achilles tendon and couldn't run for 5 weeks. I contemplated dropping out of Boston but I decided to suck it up and run for fun.

Any recommendations on preventing quad cramping at the end of the marathon? I assume these pains are inevitable after taking off 5 weeks from training. Is it pointless to still run Boston?

10 years ago 03/20/2014 1:39pm EDT

re: trashy legs no more

Water, potassium, sodium?

10 years ago 03/20/2014 1:42pm EDT

re: trashy legs no more

do you take in any sugar/carbs during the race? severe glycogen depletion may be causing this

10 years ago 03/20/2014 2:01pm EDT

re: trashy legs no more

I had the same issues at Chicago 2012 and Boston 2013. Both hit between 18-20 miles in.

Long tempo runs, some downhill strides and faster long runs helped and I didn't have the issue at Indianapolis Monumental last fall.

10 years ago 03/20/2014 2:10pm EDT

re: exercise fizzzz

Yes, I take gu energy gels every 6 miles and every 2 miles from Mile 20 - 26, & never skip a water/gatorade station.

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