Cramping in Open Water Races

I too have had problems cramping in OW races. I thought it was funny, because I can swim 3-5km just for practice and not one cramp. but during my first 5km race I got a cramp in my right calf and then both hamstrings and left quad. during my 3km race two days later, it was only my calf that started to cramp. I think, but not sure that my problem is that I don't use my legs enough that they start to get cold. and towards the end of these races I tried using my legs to pick up speed since my arms went into some kind of automatic pilot and I could not get them to move faster. it could also be that before I race, I tend to have to go to the bathroom more than I usually do. so even though I am eating and drinking enough to load for the races, my body is getting rid of it. in a 2600m OW race 4 weeks ago, I got cramps in my right leg again, but this time because I took a few strokes *** stroke to verify where I was swimming and to find a new point to aim.

My other issue is my vision has gotten worse. I have always worn swedish goggles and I cant find those in prescription goggles and havent learned how to wear contacts. Anyone know of a comfortable prescription goggles? I have bought a few pairs and they hurt my nose after a half hour. I really like the Speedo Vanquisher corrective goggles. They come in smoke and clear, but not mirrored. Speedo also sells another model of corrective goggle that really digs into my nose but the Vanquisher shape and size are great for me. I have owned corrective goggles by Water Gear that were acceptable but not that great. I also had some from Club Sport (the SwimOutlet "house brand") that were terrible on my nose until I took my pocketknife and whittled the nosepiece into a better shape. Switching from noncorrective to corrective goggles made me feel a lot more confident about my navigation in open water. (Also, before I switched I couldn't lead my lane at workout because I couldn't read the clock.)

Leg cramps are a common problem in open water swims. A lot of people suffer lower back cramps too. Main reason is becasue after swimming freestyle for a long period of time without turns - your legs end up stuck in one position. The muscles are not flexed. Simple solution is to take a second every 10+ minutes and give your legs a little flex. For my calves, I will simply pull my toes up once so that my calves feel a pull. If my quads oo hamstrings are tightening. I'll pull my knees up to my chest and curl up into a ball then get right back to swimming. The few seconds this takes is much better then the minutes you will loose trying to stretch out an already cramped up muscle. Think of this as a preventative measure (especially if you already know you are prone to cramping). And remember, once the cramps set in, it is very hard to get rid of them.

Perhaps try more kicking sets and kick with more intensity during practice. I kick a lot (1/3 of my workout is kick usually) and I don't get leg cramping issues when OW swimming.

PJE - It's been my experience that it's an issue of hydration & potassium so I think ensuring you've hydrated sufficiently with Gatorade or Cytomax or anything else with electrolytes as well as having a banana should do the trick. I've also found that the colder the water the more likely cramps are to occur (& thus more important to be hydrated properly). Best regards, SFBaySwimmer

In addition to all the good hints for avoiding or diminishing leg cramps, a doc recommended taking an OTC anti-inflammatory (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen ) before the activity. I expect plain old aspirin would also work, but it has a greater antiplatelet effect. I believe some ultramarathon swimmers take liquid Tylenol during the swim. I also found that step classes twice a week decreased the incidence of leg cramps, supporting the view that stretching and strengthening in all directions is good. So: --Hydrate like crazy, beginning day before. --Top off calcium, potassium, magnesium, electrolytes. --Do regular leg exercise that puts some stress on them, such as kick sets or step classes. --Take an anti-inflammatory before the swim. --During the swim, stretch and massage frequently. --During the swim, change some of the kicking patterns (from flutter kick to BR kick, e.g.), to give muscles a breather. VB