I got a cold and I get cramps a lot the day before a race, what should I do?!
Question: My luck. I am the fastest cross country runner at my school, and I got sick the day before a 2 mile race. My bones are aching and my head hurts a lot. I feel like I can't run. I am getting a lot of cramps, and I usually never get them. If I don't go to the meet tomorrow I might not get a plaque stating that I got Cross Country of the year, since you have to win all the meets. When I run, all the mucus comes out of my nose and I gag a lot. Whoever has any advice on how to perform well tomorrow, I would greatly appreciate it. Please, I want Cross Country runner of the year so BAD. I know that there is no magic cure to relieve my cramping problems, but if anybody has any good ideas, I would greatly appreciate it.
Answers: My luck. I am the fastest cross country runner at my school, and I got sick the day before a 2 mile race. My bones are aching and my head hurts a lot. I feel like I can't run. I am getting a lot of cramps, and I usually never get them. If I don't go to the meet tomorrow I might not get a plaque stating that I got Cross Country of the year, since you have to win all the meets. When I run, all the mucus comes out of my nose and I gag a lot. Whoever has any advice on how to perform well tomorrow, I would greatly appreciate it. Please, I want Cross Country runner of the year so BAD. I know that there is no magic cure to relieve my cramping problems, but if anybody has any good ideas, I would greatly appreciate it.
make sure u drink a lot of water...tonight and tomorrow morning until about an hour or two before your race. water helps your cramps go away and thins mucus. also, take some advil or some other pain medication for your bones and head. get a good sleep. and bring a lot of kleenex for after your race.
good luck!!!!!
[[i am in cross country also...i didnt know races were still going on..our state meet was in early november.]]
You need to sleep. Period. In order to perform at even half standard tomorrow you will need to get sleep, drink some water, eat whatever you normally eat (healthy I hope), and sleep (maybe some Nyquil?). Wake up in the morning and good luck.
Hope you win ;)
-Matt
Your immune system is currently fighting something off. If I were you I would probably sit this one out. There will be many other opportunities for other awards in your life. However I really understand this one means a lot to you.
You might try a decongestant if you really must run. But keep in mind some decongestants will raise your blood pressure. You could also try OTC Advil for your cramps and aches.
Goodluck if you decide to run ... But I strongly advise sitting it out.
drink a few ounces of pickle juice before the race. i thought it was total bs when a physical therapist told me. i called another friend while having horrible cramps after a tennis tourney. he told me the same thing. with great skepticism i drank it. my cramps were gone in less than 2 minutes. i have talked with several sports therapist since. they all seem to agree it works. i now drink it before any tournament in the summer.
but as stated above since this is a cold or flu issue, you might sit this one out. best of luck