General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Recovering from a bad swim Rss Feed  
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2014-10-19 1:07 PM


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Subject: Recovering from a bad swim
Just finished a Sprint Tri today 750 meter swim.

Halfway thru the swim I got a cramp. Started on my toes and could feel it moving up to my calve. Tried swimming on my back to see if it would go away it would not. It messed me up mentally, then the second half of the swim was against the current.

I was not tired I have swam 750 meters easily in the pool and my basic workout consist of anywhere from 1500 meters to 2200 meters with drills.

I even improved my bike run times but increased my swim by 4 minutes almost.

So I have another Sprint in 2 weeks open water and I am wondering if maybe my swimming should be more open water based over pool based, what can I do for cramps, its not the first time (I drank plenty of warter the week leading up to the race). How can I mentally get back on track? Honestly any tips or recomendations are welcome.

Thanks


2014-10-20 7:16 AM
in reply to: FrankMilena

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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
I also cramp frequently while swimming. In almost every Saturday masters swimming I have to walk off cramps. Relax your toes and feet, don't actively try to point them. Instead let them kind of "flop" around in the water. I cramp up much worse when I try to force my feet into position.

For your upcoming race only kick enough to maintain your body position during the race. Relax your lower leg and enjoy the swim. A wetsuit is a huge help, removing the need to kick at all. Eventually you will want to build up to stronger kicking for the races, but being able to swim relaxed is necessary.
2014-10-20 7:22 AM
in reply to: FrankMilena

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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
How often do you cramp up?

How did you warm up before the swim?

2014-10-20 8:01 AM
in reply to: #5061215

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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
Doesn't sound like you need to be doing anything different IMHO. Sounds like you simply just had a freak issue during a single race.

Sometimes there's no deeper issue to address.
2014-10-20 3:52 PM
in reply to: #5061355


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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
I tend to cramp about 20% of the time. But mostly during the finish of longer workouts 2200-2500 meters.

I do not warm up. But then again I don't warm up for practice either.

I have read that drinking a little bit of pickle juice helps prevent cramps. Has anybody else heard or tried this?
2014-10-20 3:54 PM
in reply to: #5061522


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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
I did notice my kicking was a bit much, maybe the nerves. I tried to relax at this point. Maybe it was to late.


2014-10-20 4:41 PM
in reply to: FrankMilena

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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
Cramping up can also come from higher intensity than normal (hence the tendency to cramp up in a hard masters session). I often got calf cramps at the end of my coached sessions because I was pushing harder, and sometimes at the end of long sets when I'm pushing the distance. I also get cramps if my legs are already fatigued from a previous workout.

Since you are presumably going into the race rested and you have the fitness to do the swim, it sounds you may be going out too hard at the beginning of the race (caught up in race day excitement, adrenaline, etc.). Focus on your breathing and relaxing. You will likely still end up going faster than you expect.
2014-10-20 4:41 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
sorry double post

Edited by jennifer_runs 2014-10-20 4:41 PM
2014-10-20 6:42 PM
in reply to: #5061215


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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
I honestly thought I was pacing myself enough. I kept bumping into swimmers in front of me. Maybe I was going faster than I wanted without noticing.

In two weeks I plan on letting the field go out 10-15 seconds ahead before jumping in. My guess is this will give me time to get some open water and set a good relaxed pace without bumping into a lot of swimmers.
2014-10-21 8:16 AM
in reply to: FrankMilena

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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
Open swimming will not fix a leg cramp problem.
2014-10-21 8:18 AM
in reply to: FrankMilena

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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
Warm up and taking it easy at the start will probably help. You probably over exerted at the start. Happens all the time.


2014-10-21 8:24 AM
in reply to: 0

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Deep in the Heart of Texas
Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim

I have found that if I change to a breaststroke kick, I can get rid of a calf cramp.  Backstroke won't help because you point your toes just as much as in freestyle.  Lower leg muscles are not engaged as much in breaststroke.  Not a plan with how not to get cramps, but it might be worth a shot if you are cramping in open water.



Edited by Hook'em 2014-10-21 8:34 AM
2014-10-21 2:19 PM
in reply to: Hook'em

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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
One thing I just thought of-- did you wear a wetsuit and was this the first time? Maybe the wetsuit was too tight on your calves?
2014-10-21 6:40 PM
in reply to: #5061215


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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
Hi. No wet suit. I live in Puerto Rico. Maybe just went out to hard and no warm up.
2014-10-21 6:41 PM
in reply to: #5061925


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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
This was my third sprint tri this year.
2014-10-21 11:56 PM
in reply to: Hook'em

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Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim
Breaststroke swould be 70-75% legs...


2014-10-22 11:31 AM
in reply to: simpsonbo

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Deep in the Heart of Texas
Subject: RE: Recovering from a bad swim

Originally posted by simpsonbo Breaststroke swould be 70-75% legs...
Agreed, but I think the upper legs handle most of the work.   Either way, using my legs differently helped me relieve calf cramps.   

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