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.
