Think I've managed to get back in the water once again this summer, open water only. I've run into the same problem again this year that I had a couple years back. Cramping, only when I kick.
Normally for me most of the time my feet are 'flailing' in the water. Not doing anything real useful unless I think about it and really try to keep them spread apart so I can kick. Once I do this and start kicking about 10 seconds later my calves start cramping up. I stop kicking and get the cramping to go away and I can continue on swimming like normal, flailing. If I try to kick again, the cramping comes right back once again.
I normally eat 2 bananas each day for lunch and drink a gallon or more of water a day so I know dehydration shouldn't be an issue and lack of potassuim(sp?) shouldn't really be much of an issue either.
I can get the cramping at the beginning of a swim or after doing a couple of miles. The only trigger that always seems to hold consistent is I will start cramping once I start kicking.
Any suggestions on how I might get rid of the cramping but still be able to kick?
Parents
Former Member
just a few comments, I'm not a cramp expert by any means.
I would think drinking more water could lead to a drop in electrolytes, since electrolytes are very soluble in water? I think water is lower in electrolytes than your blood, so it could be draining them a bit.
Also, potassium is not the only electrolyte...perhaps a general electrolyte supplement (just enough to keep from cramping, but not in excess) would be helpful.
Finally, if the cramping is due to lactic acid that builds up, perhaps work on calf fitness a bit. A lot of us swimmers have weak calves because they are one of the few muscles in swimming that don't get much use. I suspect you bike a lot too though, so this probably doesn't apply.
just a few comments, I'm not a cramp expert by any means.
I would think drinking more water could lead to a drop in electrolytes, since electrolytes are very soluble in water? I think water is lower in electrolytes than your blood, so it could be draining them a bit.
Also, potassium is not the only electrolyte...perhaps a general electrolyte supplement (just enough to keep from cramping, but not in excess) would be helpful.
Finally, if the cramping is due to lactic acid that builds up, perhaps work on calf fitness a bit. A lot of us swimmers have weak calves because they are one of the few muscles in swimming that don't get much use. I suspect you bike a lot too though, so this probably doesn't apply.
