Quad cramps induced by sprinting, any suggestions? page

[Sambo712]

I've done 4 sprints in the last month consisting of 8x20 second runs.
The first one I did on the treadmill, no problem. The second one I did on the track, after the 3rd set I got a little cramp in my quad but pushed onward. Then I tried playing racquet ball and found that any time I exert a lot of energy on my left quad I feel the cramp/tear, but when I am just walking around I don't feel it. I took off all extreme exercises for the week and healed up pretty good. The 3rd set didn't cause me any trouble, but then today I tried again, and in the first sprint I felt it, and I stopped after on 3 sprints, hoping that I wouldn't take as long to recover.

I did stretch (grok squat, quad stretches) and I did warm up with some joggings, so what's the deal here? Am I missing something nutritionally? Am I not warming up enough? Should I stay off it until it's completely gone or can I still play racquetball?

Thanks already, I know you guys will have some good info.

[Wanderlust]

Most likely you're just not used to using to muscles that much. Keep at it and try to walk a cramp off, no sense in trying to push through it. Also make sure you're hydrated and are getting enough electrolytes (mag, poss. calcium etc.)

BTW since you used the word "tear" if you ever tear your muscle you'll know it, it's excruciating and visible.

[Sambo712]

what's a good primal way to get those electrolytes? I know Mark says to stay away from Gatorade.

The reason I said tear was because it lasted for a week and I wasn't sure if a cramp could last that long.

[jfreaksho]

Electrolyte tabs
Coconut water (for potassium)
magnesium
salt
Green leafy vegetables
Coffee, especially french press or espresso (high magnesium levels)

And some mobility work will probably help too.

[Sambo712]

thanks, I'll give those things a try

[brookesam]

what's a good primal way to get those electrolytes? I know Mark says to stay away from Gatorade.

The reason I said tear was because it lasted for a week and I wasn't sure if a cramp could last that long.

If you aren't scared of carbs, bananas are great for potassium too.

[Louisa655]

add salt or magnesium