# Calf training

**URL:** <https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/calf-training/6096>\
**Category:** Training Q&A \[Moderated\]\
**Created:** [June 11, 2019, 5:37pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/calf-training/6096 "2019-06-11T17:37:40Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![keithf](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/keithf/32/796_2.png) [@keithf](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/keithf)\
**Post date:** [June 11, 2019, 5:37pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/calf-training/6096/1 "2019-06-11T17:37:40Z")

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Greetings BBM,  
I need some help preventing calf cramps when doing a 10K long obstacle course race. Last year I did this OCR with very little running beforehand and got bad calf cramps about 4 miles in. This year I spent a lot of time running, 10 weeks worth, and felt confident I was going to be fine this time around. However, I still had bad calf cramps starting at 4.5 miles in. They get really really bad to where I can hardly walk, let alone run. I suppose the jumping and other demands from the obstacles was too much for me. I was very frustrated about it, since I felt like I wasted so much time running and the cramps were just as bad as when I had done virtually no running the year before. I really don’t care to run 10+ miles per week for several weeks just to get these cramps anyways, so what should I do in terms of resistance training to help with this? Specifically, how would you recommend adding calf work into Hypertrophy 1? I’m in Week 4 right now. After this I’m probably going to run Strength I.

I know you guys aren’t necessarily running or OCR experts, but everywhere else I look mentions hydration and electrolyte status, which I already know doesn’t really matter for this. So I’m looking for a more evidence-based approach 🙂

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**Author:** ![Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/jordan_feigenbaum/32/1315_2.png) [@Jordan\_Feigenbaum](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/Jordan_Feigenbaum)\
**Post date:** [June 12, 2019, 4:42pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/calf-training/6096/2 "2019-06-12T16:42:35Z")

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Keith,

This sounds like a conditioning and fatigue management issue. I do not think RT for your calves, hydration, or electrolyte status are likely to help for this. I would advise more conditioning, particularly with some hill runs worked in.

-Jordan

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**Author:** ![keithf](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.barbellmedicine.com/keithf/32/796_2.png) [@keithf](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/u/keithf)\
**Post date:** [June 20, 2019, 1:54pm UTC](https://forum.barbellmedicine.com/t/calf-training/6096/3 "2019-06-20T13:54:29Z")

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10-4, I was running a very flat trail during that training block so this time I’ll definitely do a lot more hill work, and get more running in overall. Thanks!