General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Cramps during the swim Rss Feed  
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2009-09-22 8:46 AM

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Raleigh
Subject: Cramps during the swim
I think I've seen this topic addressed but couldn't find it with the search, so I'll ask. I have my first sprint coming up in a few weeks, and I'm a little concerned. It's a short OWS about 500 meters. The distance isn't my concern, when I'm swimming in the pool, I always get cramps in my feet around the 250-300 meter mark. The only way I can get the cramp to release is to stand on the bottom of the pool and put my weight on that foot. I can't imagine having to swim through the cramp. If a cramp hits me in the OWS, and the water is over my head, what do I do? Is there anything I can do to help prevent the cramps in the first place? Thanks for any advise!


2009-09-22 8:55 AM
in reply to: #2419557

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Expert
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Madison, MS
Subject: RE: Cramps during the swim

Curl and uncurl your toes. At least, that's what works for me (and ignoring the cramp...foot cramps are nothin', wait until your whole calf siezes up during a swim).

2009-09-22 8:58 AM
in reply to: #2419557

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Indianapolis
Subject: RE: Cramps during the swim
Looking at your logs it looks like you just started swimming in August. So at this point unfortunately, as far as prevention, just make sure you are well hydrated the week of the race. Also, are you kicking quite a bit when working out? If so, you may try to let your feet drag more. Are you getting the cramps pushing off the wall? Everyone gets these when you are getting your swim fitness going. I got them too when starting back. It took me a couple of months before I really didn't get them anymore, and I am a swimmer.  Will the swim be wetsuit legal? A wetsuit will pretty much keep your legs floating so you don't have to kick much. So IMO, wear a wetsuit if you can, and try not to kick a lot. I hope this helps, and good luck on your race!
2009-09-22 11:46 AM
in reply to: #2419557

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Virginia
Subject: RE: Cramps during the swim
cramps happen to lots of folks, even seasoned veterans.  but as previously stated, you don't want your whole calf to cramp up.  cramps can happen for lots of different reasons but here are some things that have worked for me in the past:  massage the arch of your feet on a semi-regular basis, stretch before you swim and make sure you are well hydrated.

if you are coming off of another workout before swimming, stretch for a longer period of time than if you are heading to the pool for your first workout of the day.  also, work on ankle flexibility outside of the water.
2009-09-22 5:58 PM
in reply to: #2419557

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Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Cramps during the swim

I used to have that problem years ago. I think it was a combination of pushing off the wall and kicking. i don't kick much so it was probably more from pushing off the wall. 

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Cramps during the swim Rss Feed