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?
Agree with Marksman!
I used to get calf cramps all the time when I trained sprint dolphin kick. Drinking water is not the answer, and indeed only flushes out the electrolytes. I had some blood testing done and discovered that I was somewhat low on sodium and potassium and had almost zero red blood cell magnesium. I was put on magnesium injections b/c the deficiency was at an intracellular level. It was helped tremendously! Now when I get a calf cramp, I know it's most likely from overexertion/fatigue from my current workout combo of kick heavy swim workouts + weights & plyos + bikram yoga.
Agree with Marksman!
I used to get calf cramps all the time when I trained sprint dolphin kick. Drinking water is not the answer, and indeed only flushes out the electrolytes. I had some blood testing done and discovered that I was somewhat low on sodium and potassium and had almost zero red blood cell magnesium. I was put on magnesium injections b/c the deficiency was at an intracellular level. It was helped tremendously! Now when I get a calf cramp, I know it's most likely from overexertion/fatigue from my current workout combo of kick heavy swim workouts + weights & plyos + bikram yoga.
