Q: Person from 1484. Q I actually went running today, can't believe I did, but I had a problem. I ran pretty long at leat 5 minutes. When I stopped to catch my breath, I tried to run again but I got REALLY painful cramps. I tried to run with them but the pain was too great. I waited an hour after I at Sloppy Joe(meat with wheat bread and tomato sauce). Any idea why I got major cramps? I for some reason am willing to go running tomorrow again but not looking forward to major cramps. Thanx

A: Good job running! Cramps like that are to be expected when you're starting out. To some degree they're a rite of passage, but you can reduce them significantly by doing only what your body is ready for. Start with fast walk or light jog that you can maintain for at least 20 minutes and do that for a week. Then increase the speed somewhat and stick with that pace for a week. Then increase the pace slightly again. In a month or two you'll be at the pace you tried today only your body will be ready for it and you'll be able to maintain it for 20-30 minutes without bad cramps.

Another important thing to develop when you jog or run is regular breathing. Try to exhale every two or four steps when your left foot hits the ground. Also stay hydrated -- drink a lot of plain water throughout the day. When you get cramps stretch by bending your body to one side, then another.

Finally, and you probably know it yourself, that Sloppy Joe meal was not the healthiest choice. Meat is fine (as long as it's lean) but neither white bread nor tomato sauce are all that great. Brown rice would be a great choice here instead of bread and some spices along with veggies would be tons better than tomato sauce. Once in awhile meals like that are fine, but try to make most of your meals better. Once again, good job starting on your program!