Help! Cramps during the swim!

[Cycle-clops]

How can I avoid cramping during the swim? I'm training for an olympic dist (1500m swim) this Sunday and lately around the 1200m mark either my hands or feet start really cramping. What is the best way to avoid this?

[tajsss]

I've had my feet cramp before and it is usually because I am too tense and don't let my ankles and feet relax. I found I was pointing my toes or something funny. So maybe, just do your best to stay loose and relax. Just a guess.

[spiderbike]

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! You still sweat a lot when swimming especially if you are in a warm pool. Seems kinda wierd to be cramping so early in your workout. Are you swimming in the morning or after another workout?

[chrisesposito]

Assuming that you have taken adequate water and electrolytes, I've found that pushing aggressively off the wall (i.e., my calves contract and my feet are quickly pointed) significantly increases the probability of cramps in my calves or feet.

[Cycle-clops]

Thanks for all the advice everybody!

When this was happening I remember the water being unusually warm plus it was the first time I had swam 1500m non stop. I usually break at 800 to get some water. So I must have been dehydrated. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to bring a waterbottle to the pool deck during this race?

[spiderbike]

Thanks for all the advice everybody!

When this was happening I remember the water being unusually warm plus it was the first time I had swam 1500m non stop. I usually break at 800 to get some water. So I must have been dehydrated. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to bring a waterbottle to the pool deck during this race?

Water During the race or practice isn't nearly as important as showing up hydrated. Drink before you swim and you'll be adequatly hydrated at those distances.

[ajotto]

When I was in highschool I was on the swim team. When the season would start, everyone would cramp up. My coach would tell us to eat a banana before workouts or an extra shakes of salt on our meal. Worked everytime. Plus you can't go wrong with staying hydrated!

AJ

[Psydotek]

I down an energy gel and afew gulps of water. Works well. Just don't over hydrate... Unless you're cool with peeing on the move, it's not fun having to stop by the bathroom during your T1... Or T2 if you've managed to last that long. :)

[AGGRO]

Potassium

[EX1855]

Sounds silly but 4-8 oz of pickle juice the night before. I did this all thru HS in football and track and never once got a cramp!