Help, I’m CRAMPING!! . . . Are salt tablets the solution for me?

The answer to this question depends on who YOU are.  First we need to identify the source of your cramps.  There are two main categories of muscle cramping; (1) cramping due to the state of your muscles, and (2) muscle cramping due to your nutrition.  This two minute video from Dr. Jordan Metzl will help you understand the basics.

If your cramping is due to nutrition then salt tablets may help.  However, it is important to realize that the solution isn’t simply MORE salt.  The solution is the proper ratio taken at the right time (before you need it and undetected by your body).  If you slam down 2 or 3 salt tablets when you need them, you will likely find yourself bent over at the side of the road nauseous and vomiting. 

Steve Born wrote a solid article outlining the proper balance, the following is an excerpt from that article.  “The solution for proper electrolyte replacement during endurance exercise is to do it gradually and in a way that does not override normal body mechanics. Electrolyte intake needs to be below systemic detection, yet provide support to systemic depression . . . when consuming electrolytes, it has to be done in a way that falls under the "radar detection system" of the body while still providing optimal support.”

So, what should you do??  First determine the source of your cramping then realize that it is important not only to stay hydrated, but also to ensure you maintain the proper electrolyte balance.  If you do this then you will likely avoid the dreaded Hyponatremia. 

I have found that a consistent regiment of ENDUROLYTES by Hammer Nutrition does the trick.  If you want to pickup a bottle use this link for 15% off.

Lessons Learned:

1.      Not all cramping is due to dehydration

2.      More salt isn’t always the answer

What is better than an IPOD?? A waterproof IPOD!

Have you ever wished you could listen to your favorite tunes while churning out the laps of a 3200 meter swim?  Have you ever found yourself blissfully gliding through a balmy summer run only to be forced to finish the last few miles with the echoing sounds of your breath because your tunes cut out when your MP3 player was overwhelmed by the power of athletic sweat? 

If you answered yes to either of these questions then we have at least one thing in common.  That’s right, I too experienced the suffering caused by the conflict between electronics and water.  That was until I found H2OFriendly (thanks for the recommendation Jon!). 

H20Friendly is a small San Diego based company that will waterproof your IPOD (or other MP3 player), or will sell you a new, reasonably priced, IPOD that is already waterproofed (and waterproof headphones / Velcro to attach it to your goggles). 

They do not accomplish this amazing feat by sealing your device in a clunky water proof box.  No, they seal it internally with magic gaskets and other proprietary goodness.  This leaves your IPOD 100% waterproof while retaining its sleek stylish appearance.  Then they attach a sturdy warranty and send it back to you lickety-split.

How do I (David M. Wilson) use it? 
I've had my H20friendly IPOD shuffle for about 3 months.  I wear it during longer swims, but I do not press play until I get to the 800 -1200 meter pull sections of a workout.  During drill work I have too much stuff to concentrate on (body position, catch, high elbow, kick, not crossing over my stroke, oh ya and breathing).  Its real value is experienced during those long mid workout lulls, especially when you are swimming alone. 

I also use it on nearly every solo run and trip to the gym (I’ve been known to drench the elliptical).  Before I picked up this device my MP3 player was guaranteed to cut out after about 20 minutes  (then it would sit on a table for 2-3 days while it dried out before I could use it again).  I no longer have to endure this hardship.  Thank you H2OFriendly!

Discount for our team & friends

The guys at H2Ofriendly gave me a discount code to share with our team and friends.  Use the code WILSONCREW at checkout for $15 off your purchase!!

Lessons Learned:

1.       If your swim workouts include midsession pulls over 800 meters, and you like music, quit punishing yourself and motivate  your stroke

2.       If you sweat while working out and have ever had an MP3 player cut out, remember it’s not your fault there is a solution and it is just a click away