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
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
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
