Cramp!

Quinnine (if thats how it is spelt) it is found in Tonic Water (missing out the gin of course) hope this helps...Charlie

On longer races, I add salt to my drinks and also carry salted peanuts just in case it strikes. Just need a good stock of sugar and salt I've found and you should have few problems. :eek:

I agree with the comments about Three Peaks - I always get cramp as I reach the top of Whernside. It has happened at the same stage of the race for the last three years and I have therefore decided not to do next years race because of it.

Generally speaking the only time I get cramp is in my calves at the top of a tough climb. It happened to me this year at Tour of Pendle. I overtook quite a number going up the second to last climb and was feeling strong. As soon as I reached the top cramp kicked in and I had to severely reduce my pace for the remainder of the race, which cost me about 5 minutes.

I suffered badly with cramp doing this years Tanky's Trog. Salt didn't help at all nor did drinking tonic water (which contains lots of quinine) for two weeks prior to the race. I also took some slow sodium tablets every day for the week prior to the race.

In my particular case I attribute the onset of cramp to three factors: (1) dropping my weekly mileage from 40 miles to 20 miles, (2) running training runs too slow in comparison to races (my legs aren't properly conditioned) and (3) exposure of my calves to cold, especially wet and windy weather.

And wallowing about in bottomless bogs:D .

It might be you next year!

It would serve him right;) .

None of yers av ad it bad enough!
Suggestion! - Run like ell, to the first 3 peaks ladder stile and if yer dont get it then, then yer will at next un. Total agony, but yerl be better fer it!

had same type of remedy fer pneumonia (just before wasdale pb) never ad that again.

i was using lo salt, and was murdered with cramp on sedburgh hills and the langdale horseshoe (nearly cried up blisco). so now ive changed back to proper salt in the run up to a long race. I always look for an isotonic stream to drink out off as well.

The first time I ran the 'Peaks' was in 1956 when it started from the Hill Inn at Chapel-le-Dale. I cramped up solid coming off Whernside. Surprisingly (because I was really only a walker at that time) there was a runner behind me. He spotted what was wrong and said "Get some salt down yer". I replied "I haven't got any salt". "Yes you 'ave, lick your arms, your legs, or whatever" he said. So I licked my arms and, sure enough, they tasted of salt! Miraculously I was able to carry on to the finish without any further problem.
Cheers!

Great tip. Whenever I've run that race its been real hot for the time of year and I've built up salt deposits behind my ears and on my eyebrows. This year just give me a shout if anyone (preferably female) wants a lick ;)