Hi everyone, I am a regular swimmer (2-3 times per week, about 1-1.2 miles). In the last few swimming sessions I have experienced painful cramps in my calves and feet. I've been swimming for a year now, I haven't changed the pace or the distance, but after about 0.5 mile I get this cramps. What I have already tried is:
- changing from freestyle to breaststroke (doesn't make a difference, once the cramping has started)
- drinking more/less water before exercise
- eating more/less salt before exercise
- taking a break for a week (no swimming)
Nothing has made any difference. I am otherwise healthy, but this is getting pretty annoying. The last time I decided to just push through the pain, but that was a mistake. - I actually had trouble walking because of the pain in my calves for a couple of days after the swim session.
I do some biking and walking, I try to do some stretching but not really on a daily basis. I had problems with cramping when I began swimming, due to lack of strength, new movement ... But now I have the same routine for months, so this is very surprising and discouraging
I don't want to take calcium or magnesium tablets. Does anyone have any suggestions for meals before the swim. I don't feel well if I eat less than 3 hours before the swim. Usually I just have pasta and beans, some tomatoes. I tried rice, potatoes and vegetables but I think it's not caloric enough. Even if I eat as much as I can, I get hungry right before the swim and I would rather not do that.
Thank you for reading. And thank you for help!
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