I have two questions that are entirely unrelated, but thought it would be easier to make one thread instead of two. :D
1. For about the past two weeks or so after I have swam I have been getting really bad stomach cramps. It feels like a combination of a stomach ache, burn from a good workout, and an actual muscle cramp. I started eating a banana everyday, and I drink a lot of water (about 1 and a half liters a day...almost all of which is after my workout), and that seemed to help, but now it's back. Any ideas about how to keep the cramps at bay?
2. How do I find out about Masters swim clinics? I was on the USA Swimming site the other day and they had a listing of clinics coming up. Where can I find something like that for Masters?
Thanks in advance for all your help to either question!!!
~Kyra
Former Member
Originally posted by Seagurl51
1. For about the past two weeks or so after I have swam I have been getting really bad stomach cramps. It feels like a combination of a stomach ache, burn from a good workout, and an actual muscle cramp. I started eating a banana everyday, and I drink a lot of water (about 1 and a half liters a day...almost all of which is after my workout), and that seemed to help, but now it's back. Any ideas about how to keep the cramps at bay?
I always eat food before I swim. I have never had a stomach cramp. I don't overload, if its a morning swim poached eggs on toast. After noon or evening swim a light meal.
George
Originally posted by geochuck
I always eat food before I swim. I have never had a stomach cramp. I don't overload, if its a morning swim poached eggs on toast. After noon or evening swim a light meal.
George
See I do too, and I always wait at least a half hour so I know that's not what's causing it. I'll try maybe eating just a salad, rather than a salad and a sandwhich. Maybe that will help!
~Kyra
Originally posted by Seagurl51
See I do too, and I always wait at least a half hour so I know that's not what's causing it. I'll try maybe eating just a salad, rather than a salad and a sandwhich. Maybe that will help!
~Kyra
I never eat greens before I swim. I had a cucumber sandwich once and was I ever sick.
George
my guess is you're training more intensely
(using the "act as if" strategy)
you're seizing the moment instead of going through the motions and your body may not be used to the new training intensity
which might take a few days or weeks to adjust to
hang in there
ande
I'll try taking a water bottle to my practice. Sometimes I go to the drinking fountain, and that does seem to help. Thanks for all the tips!!
~Kyra
p.s. I once heard a story about someone who overdosed on water when they were trying to flush marijuana out of their system for a drug test....so I guess you can have too much water, but they had drank several gallons so I don't think a normal person can over-water.
Originally posted by Seagurl51
I drink a lot of water (about 1 and a half liters a day...almost all of which is after my workout),
If the cramps are caused by some dehydration, drinking water after your workout isn't going to help. Try to make sure you're well hydrated before you start.
As far as food, I find that a piece or two of whole grain toast sticks with me and doesn't upset my stomach.
I've also noticed that if I'm working a lot on sprints, or something that limits my air intake, I gasp for breath a lot, wind up swallowing a lot of air and end up with 'cramps' (gas).:p
Kae
Originally posted by Seagurl51
I drink a lot of water (about 1 and a half liters a day...almost all of which is after my workout), and that seemed to help, but now it's back. Any ideas about how to keep the cramps at bay?
Not only should you be well-hydrated before your workout, but it also might help if you drink water during your workout. I used to have problems with stomach cramps as a swimmer in high school. I thought for sure it was related to what I ate before swimming, but I actually wasn't taking in enough water during practice. The cramps went away when I brought my water bottle to practice.
Hi George,
Yes, I've heard that it's possible to over-water- but I doubt that it's likely with us lot!
To the original poster: Could it be the pool water?
Also, make sure that you are hydrated before, during and after the workout!
Originally posted by Seagurl51
1. For about the past two weeks or so after I have swam I have been getting really bad stomach cramps. It feels like a combination of a stomach ache, burn from a good workout, and an actual muscle cramp. I started eating a banana everyday, and I drink a lot of water (about 1 and a half liters a day...almost all of which is after my workout), and that seemed to help, but now it's back. Any ideas about how to keep the cramps at bay?
~Kyra
i USED TO GET TERRIBLE CRAMPS IN MY ABDONMINALs. I was told I was just whinning. Then in my 30's I was told I had colitis. I ended up having to have my colon & other things removed. I'm not saying that is what you have. Just my experience. How much water are you drinking. You could be taking in too much fluids.
