
Episode 44: Why Do You Get Muscle Cramps When Running?
About this episode
Ever wonder why you get muscle cramps when running? We have the answers - or at least, as the theories behind why you may get crampign from running. After we start with a listener’s question about bathroom issues during runs, we dive into the theories of cramping, how to prevent muscle cramps, and how to get rid of muscle cramps when running if they happen.
Discussion points include:
Muscle cramps vs stomach cramps vs side stitches (6:14)
Different theories of what causes muscle cramps (8:16)
How to treat mid-run muscle cramps (11:10)
Training interventions to reduce risk of muscle cramps (14:14)
Does magnesium prevent muscle cramps? (19:42)
Do compression socks reduce muscle cramps? (22:21)
Episodes of interest:
Electrolytes - Episode 12
Long run fueling - Episode 5
Marathon pacing - Episode 6
References:
PMID: 32956536
PMID: 31696455
PMID: 34185846
Get every episode summarized
Each time Tread Lightly Running Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Tread Lightly Running Podcast

Does Summer Running Really Make You Faster in the Fall?
Tread Lightly Running Podcast

What to Do The Week After a Half Marathon or Marathon: A Science-based Post Race...
Tread Lightly Running Podcast

Do You Need High Mileage? The Science of High Volume Running
Tread Lightly Running Podcast

Tune Up Race Formula: Timing, Recovery, and What the Training Theory Says
Tread Lightly Running Podcast