Fred Matthews

I have been getting cramps almost every time I swim. In my toes, my in-step, my calf, my hamstring, my shins. Sometimes it goes away fairly quickly and other times my swim is over. I almost always get them when we do kick drills with fins.

So, any ideas of what I can do to prevent them? Are salt tablets an option? I have never used them so any help there would be great.

Thanks.

Fred

travelmama

Banana

cjbruin

Yep. Try Thermolytes.

Fred Matthews

I do eat bananas at times before I go. I'll have to start it again and keep track of if I cramp or not. How long before practice should I eat it?

Which brings up another question. I have been doing tri's for three years but nutrition is (besides running) my weakest area. What is a good pre-swim practice and post-swim practice nutrition plan? I have never been real good with eating afterwards and my pre-swim meal is usually eatin at about 10 a.m. (I swim at lunch). One thing I do is drink a lot of water before and after. Could I be drinking too much and therefore throwing off my salt balance and then getting cramps?

Thanks Fred

cjbruin

Your swim in one-hour or less right? If you're having a small meal at 10, that's fine. You may be screwing up your electrolyte balance with too much water. There are drops that you can put it water to even that out. My favorite post-workout treat is 8-12 oz of chocolate milk. It gives you the carbs and protein you need and is easy. Your kick may also be responsible for your cramps.

kuf

Remember that salt is only one electrolyte:

•sodium (Na+)
•potassium (K+)
•chloride (Cl-)
•calcium (Ca2+)
•magnesium (Mg2+)
•bicarbonate (HCO3-)
•phosphate (PO42-)
•sulfate (SO42-)

Make sure you use something that doesn't just contain a lot of salt.