WittyCityGirl's Group - FULL =) (Page 11)

I went to my second master's practice last night- we were circle swimming in the slow lane, and I'm still slower than the others, so I was pushing off hard to get a little extra speed.  Bad idea.  I had the WORST cramps ever- I didn't know my feet could cramp in so many different ways at once, and for the first time I had cramps in both legs at the same time!  I also don't usually get calf cramps, but did this time (and it's still sore).  I had to cut the workout short.  Lessons learned- go at my own speed and let them lap me if needed, drink accelerade before and during workout, hydrate well, and take it easy if I'm feeling tired going in.  Any other suggestions?

I have noticed plenty of athletes who go from being runners to triathletes who get calf cramps.  Your ankle flexibility changes or you might be trying to point your toes too hard.  I've actually experienced the cramping myself after 10+ years of competitive swimming with no cramps like that.

Recovery time is over and ready to get prepare for the next race.

I am doing a sprint on June 7, much shorter than last race but it is also in my folks home town, so they will be there to witness their 1st tri, so of course I want to do well.

the swim is 500 yds, so even though it willmost likely be wetsuit legal, I am debating not using it to save on T1 time. Thoughts?

I personally would still wear one.  You can wear your top under it, unzip while running to T1, and it really only adds a few seconds with practice.  My last 500m swim (sprint tri), I would say 95% of people had wetsuits on.

I'm still playing around with fueling.  I found a new product called Sharkies, kind of like cliff shots.  I HATE power gels, the taste just gets me.  I also like to put a bit of gatorade mix in my water, but I usually prefer just straight H20

I know they say "dont try anything new on race day", but if its your first long race, something has to be new.  I mean I can't have an 8hr training session to test what to eat at hr 6 you know?  I think the plan is to eat on the bike, and only drink on the run, just not sure how much/when to eat on the bike.  Im a big and hungry boy!

I'll try the challenge, but I'm frustrated!  My right calf is still tender and visibly swollen after cramping on Tuesday- I can't believe that just a cramp would cause that much damage- has anyone had a similar experience?  I'm finally at the point where just walking isn't uncomfortable.  I think I'll try to bike gently tomorrow, but I'm nervous about running on it while it still hurts.  But at this rate I'll be off it for another week!

Note to self- do NOT push too hard (literally or figuratively) while swimming!!!

^ RICE!

I sometimes get a shin/calf pain after running, and RICE for a day or two helps. Granted this is more for right when you get the injury.

ps RICE = Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate.

I am up for the June challenge!

I have a 95km ride planned for tomorrow.  I have a couple like this before, but I am going to try to do this without stopping (usually I stop for a lunch on anything over 50k).

Anyone have any last tips for staying on the bike for 4 hours?  Going all out on this ride, as a test to see how I am for the HIM in 4 months.  Going to bring 2 bottles (no back pack), and try to refill halfway at a store.  Planning on maybe 200 cal per hour?