I've been swimming 6k-8k per week for two years primarily pool but some open water. Recently completed a 5k open water race in 1:43 in choppy conditions. I feel like I could have pushed harder but was constrained by toe/foot/calf cramps which I coninuosly had to manage/forestall by slowing down my stroke/effort generally and my kicking in particular. The three times I actually began to cramp (2nd half of the race) I was able to relieve the cramp by a few *** strokes with toes pulled up followed by a reduced effort. Any thoughts on training, nutrion, mindset that eliminate or greatly reduce cramping as the limiting factor.
Parents
Former Member
I think swimming further in your practices would help a lot since that 5km race is almost as far as all your weekly training swims combined. Your cramps could also be caused by dehydration or low levels of minerals. Eating bananas, almonds, whole grains, etc. could help.
I think swimming further in your practices would help a lot since that 5km race is almost as far as all your weekly training swims combined. Your cramps could also be caused by dehydration or low levels of minerals. Eating bananas, almonds, whole grains, etc. could help.
