Runner's Forum: CALF CRAMPS

Any advicce for pretty nasty calf cramps on my long runs (15-20 mi)? I am well hydrated and using Egels as directed. Pace is slow (9-9:30) Around mile 10 intermittent cramps that leave my calf muscles very sore the next day..

You might also be underestimating the amount of fluid you are sweating out.  I sweat about 3 pounds an hour--That is 48 ounces--It takes a lot of drinking to replace that.  Also the other guy is right about using gatoraide.  It is much better than water for cramping.

Cramping isn't always a matter of fluid/elctrolyte loss.  I don't know how long you've been running but Tim Noakes in "The Lore of Running" talks about exertional cramping occuring in runners who "run farther or faster than the distance or speed to which they are accustomed." If you have been running these distances for some time and are not overextering yourself you may be one of those types of people that are more prone to cramping.  I myself fall into that category.  One thing that does help me is a good warmup prior to a long run followed by a good stretching routine after.  Noakes does talk about stretching as something that can help with cramping.  Hope it gets better for you.