A runner in a cross country tournament experiences muscle cramps toward the end of the race. After completing the race and resting, the runner's cramps eventually go away. Which statement best explains what has occurred? The runner did not sufficiently warm up before the race and experienced cramping as the muscles were forced to convert fat into a useable energy source. As the runner reached the end of the race, fatigued muscle cells began to die at a rate faster than they could be replicated, which resulted in an increased amount of muscle cramping. As the runner became more fatigued, the muscles did not receive enough oxygen and were forced to perform anaerobic respiration, resulting in cramping. The runner did not consume sufficient levels of glucose before the race and experienced cramping because the muscles were forced to increase glucose production.

Question

Janelle

Biology

8 December, 15:34

A runner in a cross country tournament experiences muscle cramps toward the end of the race. After completing the race and resting, the runner's cramps eventually go away. Which statement best explains what has occurred? The runner did not sufficiently warm up before the race and experienced cramping as the muscles were forced to convert fat into a useable energy source. As the runner reached the end of the race, fatigued muscle cells began to die at a rate faster than they could be replicated, which resulted in an increased amount of muscle cramping. As the runner became more fatigued, the muscles did not receive enough oxygen and were forced to perform anaerobic respiration, resulting in cramping. The runner did not consume sufficient levels of glucose before the race and experienced cramping because the muscles were forced to increase glucose production.

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Terrence Wiggins · Answer 1

Almost every runner has experienced muscle cramps while running at one time or another, especially if you get muscle cramps while running a marathon or after running in the summer.

I've heard countless stories from friends, family, and clients about cramping up in the last few miles of a marathon and barely being able to even walk.

Sometimes the cramps can be worked out, but often they persist and there are no strategies for overcoming muscle cramps while running that can save the race ... or even the entire training season.

The most frustrating thing may be that they can come out of nowhere, and what causes muscle cramps while running is somewhat unknown.

My readings and research have unveiled two distinct types of cramps during exercise:

Muscle overloading and fatigue cramps from overuse. The cramping is painful in the muscle (often the calf muscle) that is being overworked.

Electrolyte imbalance muscle cramps that develop due to extensive sweating and low sodium.

These cramps may occur even if there is no muscle overuse and cramping may occur in multiple muscle groups.

It is important to determine which type of cramp you are experiencing or are prone to getting, so you can prevent muscle cramps while running. In this article, we will take a closer look at the two types and recommend our favorite remedies for muscle cramps as well as what to do to avoid muscle cramps after running in the future.