General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swimming after run causing cramps Rss Feed  
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2010-12-06 1:22 PM

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Subject: Swimming after run causing cramps
This has happened to me several times at the gym.  I run a few miles on the treadmill then jump in the pool for a short swim.  Sometime towards the end of my swim, often during cool down, one or both of my ankles short circuits and locks up.  My foot pulls up and in.  It's not terribly painful and if I grab it and pull it down and out it's not even noticeable as long as I hold it until the muscle releases.  Unfortunately even when the cramp is gone my ankles are weak and sore which ends my workout.

After the first couple of times I started doing some extra calf and ankle stretches between the run and swim and that usually did the trick, although occasionally I had to stop mid-set to stretch again.

The last two times I've been in the pool it's happened again regardless of the stretching.  The only thing that's different is that I'm now doing flip turns although I always pushed off the wall even when doing open turns.  Any ideas on why this is happening and how to stop it?


2010-12-06 1:49 PM
in reply to: #3238481

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Master
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Subject: RE: Swimming after run causing cramps

Don't push off hard or at all for your swims that follow a run.

2010-12-06 4:09 PM
in reply to: #3238481

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Subject: RE: Swimming after run causing cramps
other question I have is based on hydration.  Are you pretty dehydrated after the run?  I used to swim a lot after runs and I would work very hard to rehydrate myself because that was the source of a lot of my problems.
2010-12-06 5:12 PM
in reply to: #3238481

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Swimming after run causing cramps
That sort of cramping is 99% likely to be a fitness issue.  Swimming (especially pushing off the wall, but also kicking) is hard on your ankles, and you're going in already fatigued.  It will get better with increased fitness.  (By the way, a run-swim-run 'brick' is one of my favorite workouts.)
2010-12-06 5:18 PM
in reply to: #3238481

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Subject: RE: Swimming after run causing cramps
don't really have any suggestions to make this better.  I have the same issues.  Sometimes my ankles...sometime my calves.  I just avoid the pool after a run or bike.  Just does not work for me.
2010-12-06 7:24 PM
in reply to: #3238481

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Subject: RE: Swimming after run causing cramps
It is almost certainly fitness / pushing off walls / kicking combined causing it. It's not hydration. Cramping from dehydration tends to be more widespread, and not localized in small muscles.


2010-12-06 7:58 PM
in reply to: #3238855

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Subject: RE: Swimming after run causing cramps
Experior - 2010-12-06 5:12 PM That sort of cramping is 99% likely to be a fitness issue.  Swimming (especially pushing off the wall, but also kicking) is hard on your ankles, and you're going in already fatigued.  It will get better with increased fitness.  (By the way, a run-swim-run 'brick' is one of my favorite workouts.)


This.

I still get calf cramps after runs.  Quad cramps after biking.  I will typically have to get out of the pool and stretch every 1000yds or so.  It has gotten better over the last year, but still happens pretty consistently right along a ramp of how hard the previous run/bike was.

I just stretch and deal with it as best I can.
2010-12-06 8:18 PM
in reply to: #3238481

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Subject: RE: Swimming after run causing cramps
My swimming has been practically non-existent since the beginning of the summer so I can see it being a fitness issue.  Maybe I'll ditch the flip turns until I get back into a more consistent routine since I can control my kick off the open turn better.  Thanks all.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swimming after run causing cramps Rss Feed