Cramping in calf muscles

Question
QUESTION: I am a recreational runner and successfully completed a half marathon yesterday. As with prior races, I have had severe cramping in both calf muscles. During the Chicago Marathon in 2005, they locked (cramped) up so badly, the last 8 miles were pure torture. What can I do avoid this? Will potassium pills help. When and how much can I consume?
ANSWER: Hi Eugene
It is all in the training.I don't no what your bio is such as height, weight, age, your marathon build up,lenth of months,times your running.If you don't prepare properly,what your experiencing can be very normal unless there is an underling situation which  i don't believe.Potassium pills won't help.If you want to give me some more info,i can get a better judge the situation.

All the best

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi. I am about 5'10" and about 170 lbs with my age close to 40. I run 15 to 30 miles a week and follow a training schedule.(Hal Higdon) The per run minimum is 5 miles and the max is probably 22 these days. I try to build up mileage each week and then drop back. For example 7 on Sat, 10 on Sun, 5 on Tuesday and 9 on Thursday. Following Sat- 10, Sun - 12 and then back down to 9 etc... Additionally I run in a nature area which is a 2.5 loop with several hills. I have been running like this for the last 4 years and try to put at least 2 to 3 22 mile runs in before the marathon. I hope this provides some additional information. I would love to resolve this issue and finish on a positive note. Thank you again.  

Answer
Hi Eugene
You didn't mention the times you ran,10k, half marathon,marathon.One thing i noticed is running in a nature center in which i will assume is a soft surface such as dirt gravel or grass etc.If this is correct you have to get a fair amount of your training on the tarmac for adaption of musculature.Your milaege is pretty low to run a confortable marathon without the muscular stress that your having.Over all i would say you need a lot more variation in your preperations such as more running on tarmac,especially the log run,mid week runs of 15 to 18,for the marathon you have to jump up the milaege considerably over a 41/2 to 6 months period for the body to adapt properly.This is real serious running 1/2 and full marathons and should be taken more serious unless you want to put up with all the discomfort of lack of preperations.You really need to step it up quite a bit  Eugene.What your doing is ok for the 5 and 10k distance,but not for the 1/2 and marathon.It is all about the muscular adaption,and that takes time.Get on the tarmac consistently.I hope this gives you a better understanding of the process.I would be more than happy to prepare you for your next marathon if your interested.I work over the phone all over the phone.If you have further questions just get in touch Eugene.

All the best

John