This month I fulfilled one of my life goals by completing the Two Oceans marathon. Their ''Dream it - Do it'' motto inspired me to make 2006 the year, and with the poster on my fridge, I dreamed and trained for the past few months. Although my marathon time is relatively slow, I set my mind to believe that not only could I finish under the 7-hour cut-off, but that I could actually make a sub-6 hour bronze medal.

My training and qualifying races went very well, using Rocket Gel and Energy Bars. Before the race my sister gave me Cramp Attack to try. As I had never had a cramp, I was reluctant to try it, but put three in my pocket - just in case.

I had a great run, and enjoyed every minute, until the top of Constantia Neck when things got tough. Cruising down the other side, with only 9 km to go, I suddenly got an extremely intense stitch in my side. I couldn''t run and was devastated as I thought that my bronze medal hope was finished. I remembered the Cramp Attack and put two pills in my mouth, while searching for water. I found a discarded water sachet lying in the dirt, picked it up and drank and immediately - within seconds rather than minutes - the cramp was gone!

I really cannot tell if the pills worked so fast, bit my relief was huge. However, a few kilometres further I suddenly had a cramp in my calf. I very quickly drank the last remaining pill and just managed to keep on running with a very awkward stride and the cramp disappeared within a few steps.

I finished in 5:56:56 - for me a personal triumph!

I will probably never know if the Cramp Attack was really so effective, but I will make sure that I always have some with me on marathons - just in case!

FastFuel’s Elton Holland explains what’s in the dynamic cramp prevention formula that makes it so effective:
Cramp Attack has been scientifically formulated to prevent cramping during intense exercise and endurance events. Cramp Attack provides your body with essential minerals and vitamins that are lost through sweat during exercise. Cramping is your body’s final warning signal that your electrolyte level is on empty.

Magnesium is an anti-spasmodic mineral. Good levels of magnesium contribute to the prevention of cramp.
Sodium chloride losses are great with higher sweating rates. When exercising in warm conditions, sodium is lost. Sodium deficits can lead to incomplete dehydration and muscle cramps.
Vitamins B3 and B6 are used by the body in the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to the muscles.
Vitamin C improves blood circulation and has anti-viral properties.

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