Hello,
In 2006 and this year, I keep cramping on the last half mile of an open water 5k when I try to surge to the finish. I am thinking of trying gatorade or banasas in the future to prevent that from occuring.
Has anyone had this issue and what have they done? I have done at least 10+ races and it has only occurred in the last 2 and it is very frustrating to have to stop and work out a knot in my leg in the middle of the races.
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.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks,
PJE
Parents
Former Member
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.
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.
