I keep getting cramp in my calves when I'm swimming hard.
Last night was pretty typical, I was just started the 3rd set of my 3*[5*100] when my left calf locked so badly that I had to quit the session.
I was fully hydrated and drinking water at the end of each rep and I had a bar beforehand too.
It doesn't happen in the summer in colder water, only indoors.
suggestions / thoughts / tips most welcome.
thank you!
Lloyd
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Do you drink Lloyd during sets? if so do you drink liquids which have electrolytes?
It does not bare too much thought but you do sweat in water when swimming so when you are swimming indoors in the winter it can become more of an issue
You can weight yourself before and after to have an idea..
Tony said:
Do you drink Lloyd during sets? if so do you drink liquids which have electrolytes?
It does not bare too much thought but you do sweat in water when swimming so when you are swimming indoors in the winter it can become more of an issue
A few other reasons for cramp and things you could look at:
- Could be due to your kicking technique - putting too much tension in the legs/feet and not being relaxed in the water could mean over time your legs will cramp up especially if you're working hard like in your 3*[5*100] set. This is a useful page to revisit main kick techniques: http://www.swimsmooth.com/kick_adv.html
- Swimming after other hard sessions i.e. intense running sessions the day before/same day - could bring on cramp in the legs
- Like Erica mentions making sure muscles are loosened and also warmed up properly.
- Hydration - but sounds like you have that covered.
Swimming in the Lido throughout the winter - brave man, well done.
I might also be able to con you into entering the Tooting Winter Open water gala in January - ask Haren how much fun that is ;-)
Lloyd - I suffer the same thing and have done some investigation into this.
I have found several factors contribute to my calve cramps (Nick, Tony and Erica have all mentioned these too) and I usually only get them in short pools, so the turn and kick off is the main culprit.
- Pointing toes when kicking off, which places the calves under un-resisted contraction and contributes to overall stiff legs.
- Tight and stiff legs from running and/or cycling
- Lack of fluids and electrolytes
Can definitely recommend lots of roller sessions and occasional sports massage concentrating on legs. I find a lot of the tension starts around the ankle, feet and achilles, which suggests not being loose enough around these areas when kicking. Suggest trying to focus on looser feet when kicking and if pushing off from the side, see if you can push more through the heel, using leg drive, rather than toes, which naturally end up pointing. It won't win you much speed, but might prolong the session.
If there are any other suggestions I would be most interested!
I would add to Russell's post that you should try pushing off the wall with less force. It is tempting to give yourself an almighty shove off to help speed your way down the lane, but for me that sudden requirment for a 'solid' effort by the calf muscles after the 'fluid' effort of kicking seems to bring on cramp. So now I do a leisurely push off and rely on actually swimming for progress!
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