So I'm looking for a lot of different kinds of advice:
I first started swimming about 5 years ago during college, swam for (roughly) 2 years, and then had 3 years break while I was getting through a lot of transitions in my life. (Graduating college, getting a job, etc...) I started swimming again in February and have since lost about 40 pounds (and working on the 45th right now). However - this was not without a dietary overhaul, and lifestyle overhaul.
I now lift, coach/play basketball with a youth league, and swim, but with the summer approaching, I'm concerned about stretching myself potentially too thin (something I'm VERY prone to do). As the summer gets in to full swing, I have a basketball league, a slow pitch softball league, plus still coaching/playing, lifting, and swimming.
So the subject of this thread comes in - once I hit about yard 3000 of any given masters practice (some have been up to 4800 thus far) - my achilles, calves, ankles, etc all start cramping up like crazy and it makes it extremely difficult to finish any given practice. I eat at least 1 banana a day, drink roughly 1-2 gallons of water a day (difficult to keep track), and eat other high potassium foods consistently (avocados, plum prunes...).
So naturally - I have a few questions going forward (and these are just the start!)
1) Is there a solid resource that any of you use that helps you plan meals, balance your diet and minimize recovery times?
2) Where do many of you go to find good lifting programs that are going to keep things mixed up and are going to impact the full body?
3) I know rest is an essential part of growth during a workout program - is there a resource that you use to help you figure out what's the "right" amount for you depending on your activity level?
4) What are your feelings on things like Gatorade? I look at it mostly as sugar water and the only times I'm prone to drinking it is during meets when I can't really eat.
Thanks in advance! I appreciate any suggestions you may have!
You've received some good advice so far. With all the water you're drinking, I'm wondering if you're actually flushing electrolytes out of your system. I think I was doing the same thing until recently. I have started to drink water with Nuun tablets added -- they are essentially calorie-free (6 calories per tablet, which is added to 16 oz. of water). Miraculously, I haven't had a problem with cramping since I substituted Nuun for plain water during the day and during workouts. The tablets come in tubes, which is incredibly convenient and portable. It tastes pretty good, too, and comes in several different flavors. I don't have any financial interest in Nuun, but it has worked for me. http://www.nuun.com/ You can also order them from http://www.swimoutlet.com. Good luck!
I was thinking the same thing. Too much water will flush electrolytes and salt out of your system, making you more prone to cramps. I say drink SmartWater, Endura or use Nuun tablets during the day.
As for the post-workout recovery drinks, I don't think they're superior to actual food. But you have to get to the actual food in time for it to be effective. I find the recovery drinks and protein bars to be super convenient. And I spent a lot of time in a car and can't always rush home to eat after a workout(s).
See myfitnessdepot.com/.../
You've received some good advice so far. With all the water you're drinking, I'm wondering if you're actually flushing electrolytes out of your system. I think I was doing the same thing until recently. I have started to drink water with Nuun tablets added -- they are essentially calorie-free (6 calories per tablet, which is added to 16 oz. of water). Miraculously, I haven't had a problem with cramping since I substituted Nuun for plain water during the day and during workouts. The tablets come in tubes, which is incredibly convenient and portable. It tastes pretty good, too, and comes in several different flavors. I don't have any financial interest in Nuun, but it has worked for me. http://www.nuun.com/ You can also order them from http://www.swimoutlet.com. Good luck!
I was thinking the same thing. Too much water will flush electrolytes and salt out of your system, making you more prone to cramps. I say drink SmartWater, Endura or use Nuun tablets during the day.
As for the post-workout recovery drinks, I don't think they're superior to actual food. But you have to get to the actual food in time for it to be effective. I find the recovery drinks and protein bars to be super convenient. And I spent a lot of time in a car and can't always rush home to eat after a workout(s).
See myfitnessdepot.com/.../
