Creatine
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What is the proper way for a track and field athlete to take creatine monohydrate? Because I have experienced muscle pulls while taking creatine and have also read numerous reports that same has been happening to a very high percentage of track and field athletes. I usually take about 4 grams 1 to 1.5 hours before a Track practice or meet and I drink about 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day. How can I prevent this from happening again or can you suggest the proper way for a Track and Field athlete to take creatine monohydrate correctly?
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| First, you must realize that creatine is a supplement for explosion athletes like weight lifters and football players. If you are a sprinter, then creatine may be suitable for you. If you are a long distance runner, you may not benefit from the supplementation of creatine due to the extra muscle mass that you are carrying around for an extended period of time.
Secondly, there is no special way for you to supplement creatine. In order to get the most out of this supplement you need to take the product as suggested (the loading period then 5 grams per day for the maintenance level).
Please realize that one of the short term side effects of creatine is muscle cramping. This is simply because of the cell volumization that occurs when the muscle cells take in water. Overall, if you are not a sprinter, please reconsider your supplementation habits. If you continue the use, you may have to put up with the cramping that occurs.
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| I am very much confused about creatine. I myself have just started and am currently in the loading phase. You say that creatine will not help if you are a long distance runner because it gives you more muscle mass. This may be true, but if you work hard in a cardio workout, this will increase your endurance in the long distance runs and with the creatine it should help your muscles get stronger and add a bit of endurance as well. Isn't that right? More muscle mass, but cardio workouts will overpower that mass. I run the 800, 1500, and 3000 and I am wondering if going on creatine will slow me down. I include a cardio workout twice a week, and have workouts for my shoulders and arms one day and lastly chest and back.
I also play hockey and have some very tough tryouts in the summer. Would creatine and working out hard be a good combination? Or would I be better off just working out? You say that it is no good for long distance runners. Well, football takes a lot out of you too! And I would bet that football players run almost the same amount of yards in one game as a long distance runner does in his race.
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True, creatine helps explosion athletes only. And I think I know how to fix the cramp problem - increase your water intake. I don't know exactly how much I drink myself but keep doubling your intake until you hit an optimum. You can do this experiment on your own. I have had injury and soreness free muscles for the past three months. Your alertness and mood also improves when you back up the creatine with enough water.
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Bummer. I just bought some creatine because I thought it helped long distance runners. I have a half marathon in 2 weeks and thought I'd give it a try. Maybe help carry me through to the end. Guess I'm wrong, huh?
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Well, I am only 13 and I started taking Creatine. And, to tell you the truth, I cant tell any difference in my performance and I am a sprinter.
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