There are many different types of cramps, from menstrual cramps to pregnancyrelated cramps; but exercise-associated muscle cramps, or EAMCs, can put an end your hopes of a PB. They sneak up on you, hit you with excruciating pain and often force you to stop running to stretch the affected muscle.
Traditionally, cramps have been associated with dehydration. Research published in the Journal of Athletic Training, based on the work of Dr Kevin Miller, a professor at Texas State University and Dr Martin Schwellnus, an exercise scientist from South Africa, has revealed that dehydration alone may not be responsible for this often-unbearable condition. Athletes given pickle juice (vinegar) had reduced cramp duration by 40% then those given water or nothing.