I’m hoping that someone may be able to help me solve a problem. My wife is a talented triathlete, winning her age group (55-59) in several major triathlons over the past two years. She has signed up to do a full ironman distance (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) in Wisconsin but she can't seem to swim past 1200-1400 meters before she gets leg cramps. She has consulted local swim coaches, tried all their suggestions and nothing works. It's a real problem and she is thinking of giving up on the race. Since she is 57 this may be her last shot at doing something she’s wanted to do for years. She has tried hydrating (with water and tonic water), stretching, had her technique evaluated for mechanics, etc. has anyone else had this problem and if so, what the solution? I’m desperate to help her but don’t know where else to turn. If you know of anyone who might be able to help, please let me know. Thank you.
Bruce
I've read that the reason pickle juice and vinegar products work within seconds on leg cramps is that the vinegar stimulates sensory nerves in the mouth and esophagus which then send signals to the brain via the spinal cord. These signals to the brain block or interrupt the brain from continuing to send electrical impulses down to the legs that are causing the cramp. This is the science behind products such as HotShot, which uses lime juice concentrate, spices and other flavors in their before-exercise supplement. I'm prone to cramps while swimming and have used a HotShot before important swim races and triathlons and it seems to work (no cramps), but the cost can be prohibitive for use before every training session. I've never tried pickle juice but it seems like a logical everyday solution, just be careful not to drink too much, just enough to stimulate the nerves. I also wonder how long the sensory stimulation remains active after ingestion. I'm sure the effect fades away after some time, maybe an hour at most? But maybe that's all the time needed to prevent a cramp.
Yeah, wouldn't that be nice to stop and get a massage? However, last week I felt them coming on at the tail end of a mile OWS. I could sense them coming on about 100 yds from shore, but was able to wiggle the legs in such a way to hold them off until I could touch bottom. The walk up to the beach was painful, but once on dry land they went away quickly.
I get some foot and calf cramps. I read the thing about pickle juice and thought: why not just eat a pickle? They are, presumably, full of pickle juice. I grabbed a jar of kosher dills and had one or two before my workouts. I’ve had very few cramps since I stared this. It’s easy enough to try, if you like a good pickle.
I use 'HYLANDS LEG CRAMPS' sub lingual tablets which i keep at my bedside for middle of the night leg cramps that wake me up. They contain Quinine and work immediately. Also, I drink TONIC WATER, which also contains Quinine.
I am also 57 yrs old and prone to leg cramps around the 1- 1.5 mile mark in ooen water. My last swim of two miles went great without any- then i ran my first 10 K in over 10 years for our SERC Triathlon last weekend against Dolphin club in SF. Rowing swimming running.
i found that its a combination of hydration, potassium and electrolytes. Another poster mentioned wine or beer the night before can make it happen- i concur. Probably because it dehydrates you. I usually have 2 glasses wine per night but skipped it last swim. Also ate a banana before bed and another w s light breakfast with carbs and protein (fish) in the morning. All the while stsying hydrated with water and electrolytes-chewables or gueables. This helped me do the swim in good form without a wetsuit and then run. Also swam aafter the run and a mile the next day for a cool down. sore after but a good sore- like lactid acid and muscle building kind of sore…
I am also 57 yrs old and prone to leg cramps around the 1- 1.5 mile mark in ooen water. My last swim of two miles went great without any- then i ran my first 10 K in over 10 years for our SERC Triathlon last weekend against Dolphin club in SF. Rowing swimming running.
i found that its a combination of hydration, potassium and electrolytes. Another poster mentioned wine or beer the night before can make it happen- i concur. Probably because it dehydrates you. I usually have 2 glasses wine per night but skipped it last swim. Also ate a banana before bed and another w s light breakfast with carbs and protein (fish) in the morning. All the while stsying hydrated with water and electrolytes-chewables or gueables. This helped me do the swim in good form without a wetsuit and then run. Also swam aafter the run and a mile the next day for a cool down. sore after but a good sore- like lactid acid and muscle building kind of sore…
