More swimming fun…
Last night I had arranged to meet up and practice with one of the other girls in my class. I bought a swim cap, which made for some comical fun in the changing room as I tried to get the thing on my head. (I’d never used one before.) A nice lifeguard allowed us to borrow kickboards, and he even gave us a private half-lane to use. I managed sixteen half-lengths of the pool, which was a pretty good first workout. I started off using the kickboard, but eventually I tried a few lengths without it (just doing the crawl). It would feel natural for a second or two, but every time I came up for air it would start to feel awkward and complicated again. (I actually feel like I pulled a muscle on the right side of my neck while whipping my head up trying to get air.) I spent some time observing the “proper” swimmers in the fast lanes too, watching how they barely lifted their head and how effortless they made it look. I think I just need more practice. The Snook gave me the great idea to practice my breathing just standing in the pool, so I might try that next time.
HOWEVER – I had a big problem. Cramping. At various times during the half-hour, I got cramps in both feet and both calves. It KILLED. I’ve been doing some googling, and according to this page it’s a fairly common complaint. I did notice that it seemed to ease when I went slower, so I guess taking it easy and allowing my ankle to relax is key.
4 responses
I can’t help with the cramping, but the swim cap I can help. If it’s the plasticy type, Put a little talcum powder in the cap when it’s dry, swish or smoosh it around and shake out the excess. Put it on when your hair is dry (or you’ll get glue LOL!). Less funny, but much simpler!
I use a lycra swim cap. It is much easier to get on and more comfortable. It won’t make you faster but it will keep your hair out of your face.
Now that you are swimming you will be ready for a triathlon next year.
Craming (I can’t help with swimming caps – told you they ick me out, I remember them pulling and catching on my hair when we had to wear them as kids) – potassium – you could a) get fancy Endura powder to put in a drink bottle for before hand (Clarence street cyclery has it) or b) eat a banana or two in the dya before hand. Might help!
See, I don’t think it’s the electrolyte thing, or I’d be having them when I run too. I think it’s specifically related to my swimming action, and how I’m tensing my legs and ankles up (since I’m concentrating so hard).