[Vickie]

You got that right JohnThomas. Even with natural supplements it is so important to take time to evaluate the 'true' natural benefits of your work. I even believe in cycling vitamins. You were also right that loading has always been questionable. I've seen it go both ways in the gym but did have personal success with loading. These days the science is so much more advanced that loading isn't an issue with 90% of the products. I would even take a sublingual creatine these days if my focus was on building. But after the Peachtree Road Race, who knows what my next cycle will be. I'll let you know.

Briefly, yes Bigwill you're right about muscle cramping. But the abdominal cramping is actually too little water for the digestive process to complete it's cycle and the lower GI problems with cramping then just makes sense. Everyone who trains should drink more water than the average person and if you are a sweater even more and if you train outside even more. Water can be a tricky subject. I personally drink about a gallon a day. I have a 6 foot woman who drinks almost 150 oz. and won't give it up for anybodies argument since she hasn't had the crippling migranes she suffered prior to her water obsession.