Triathlon - Foot cramp off the wall

I have my first sprint in 2wk so it may be to late to fix but when I am training in the pool my left foot will cramp when I push off the wall. Nothing will kill your swim time more that stopping in the middle to work out a cramp. Its always in my Left arch, only when I push off the walls and not all the time. The tri swim is indoors so I am worried it will cramp during the race.

What can I say? Don't worry about it. You'll be well hydrated for your race. And for a bit of encouragement: I would get the ocaisonal foot/calf cramp in workout (maybe once every 2 months), but never in my 11 years of racing did I have one in a race (maybe a stomach stitch which doesn't stop you, but that's it).

Well I was going to say don't worry about pushing off of the wall but since your swim is in a pool pushing off is kind of important. Here's an idea or two:

- try pushing off with just your right foot/leg. You won't get as good of a push but I'd take it over a cramp anyday.

- push off with both feet but push off more with your right. Practice this before the race and see if it helps any.

- When you push off don't point the toes on your left foot. In fact try moving them in the opposite direction (as if you were trying to left them off the floor if you were standing up).

- Eat a banana. They cure most anything :).

Yea I have been trying the 1 foot pushoff, not as powerful but at least it doen"t drop me..

Being one of the resident swimmers, I feel like I should weigh in on this... but the truth is, I'm not sure of the solution. I get that from time to time, but not often. I'd say work on prevention, because (as you know) once you get it, it's hard to get rid of it during the workout. Stay well-hydrated, eat bananas, stretch out your calves and feet before you swim... And of course if it does strike you, do what those wise folks above are suggesting. I'd also add to keep the foot flexed for a bit off the wall and try not to kick too much.

I occasionally get an arch cramp, but pushing off the wall doesn't appear to be the root cause. Mine seem to happen from simply pointing my toes straight back for too long a period or from doing my goofy little kick with toes straight.

Tyson