Ladies- Cramps After Jogging?

musikalmami237
musikalmami237 Posts: 214 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi Ladies!

I was wondering if anyone has had or is having a similar experience to me. I started jogging 2 and a half months ago. Although now and then I'll jog for 20-30 minutes, I've been timing my mile and trying to get the time down. But as soon as I hit that mile and start walking, I have an intense pain.

This doesn't really happen when I jog for long periods of time, but it almost always happens when I am timing my mile and trying to be conscious of my speed. It isn't the type that is like a pain in the side, it actually feels like very intense menstrual cramps in a way. And I really don't feel it while I'm jogging, but after I hit a final sprint to complete the mile and then begin walking, it kicks in. I almost toppled over today from the pain. It usually goes away though within about 15 minutes.

Anyone going through this or something similar? Would appreciate any tips! Thanks! :)

Replies

  • ShibaEars
    ShibaEars Posts: 3,928 Member
    Yep, I have this happen when I really push myself. Unfortunately I don't know how to stop it. I walk a bit to catch my breath, then I have to sit for a few minutes until it goes away. Usually after a break I'm okay to continue with my workout.

    I've noticed it tends to get worse when I'm in the middle of my cycle If you notice it's worse at a certain point in your cycle, maybe you can avoid running at that time.
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    Could it be endometriosis? I used to have this very symptom a lot in HS during especially hard track practices. I seem to recall reading a while back that this can happen with endo. I was diagnosed at 30, but had all the telltale symptoms back as far as my very first cycle.
  • maryjaquiss
    maryjaquiss Posts: 307 Member
    Could just be runner's stomach cramps - I get them every so often and if I don't stop running, I have to lie down flat for about 10 minutes when I get home! I don't think it's exclusive to women - think it's more a digestive thing, so you could try changing how soon after eating you run. I find it's much better when I run on an empty stomach.
  • maryjaquiss
    maryjaquiss Posts: 307 Member
    There's some info on the sort of cramps yours sound like here http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/how-to-stop-runners-cramps?page=2 :smile:
  • Collier78
    Collier78 Posts: 811 Member
    Could it be endometriosis? I used to have this very symptom a lot in HS during especially hard track practices. I seem to recall reading a while back that this can happen with endo. I was diagnosed at 30, but had all the telltale symptoms back as far as my very first cycle.

    I think you may have hit it...I have been treated for endo and do not have this issue when I run, but I used to get it so bad I had been known to blackout..
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    Could just be runner's stomach cramps - I get them every so often and if I don't stop running, I have to lie down flat for about 10 minutes when I get home! I don't think it's exclusive to women - think it's more a digestive thing, so you could try changing how soon after eating you run. I find it's much better when I run on an empty stomach.

    I've had both the classic runner's side stitch and the sort of cramping the OP describes. They are VERY different. The cramping that seems to be uterine-centered can even feel like it's radiating down the thighs and through the bowels. Very much like labor contractions, since it involves the same anatomy. Side stitches are much higher-up.
  • maryjaquiss
    maryjaquiss Posts: 307 Member
    The ones I've had are definitely different to side stitches but also feel very different to menstrual cramps and are normally relieved by a lie down (or by passing wind - sorry if TMI!!!). Just my experiences :smile:
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    I've had side stitches and intestinal issues, as well -- those are generally the result of erratic breathing or talking while running (stitches) or something not sitting well in my GI track. But neither are what I think the OP is describing. I've also had cramps that feel exactly like menstrual cramps/labor contractions. But this may be something limited to women who have a diagnosed reproductive abnormality, like endometriosis (I imagine fibroids and/or adenomyosis could lead to this pain, too). It's the sort of thing that's not relieved by passing gas or having a BM. I'm thankful I've not experienced it since I was a teenager (when my endo symptoms were FAR worse than they are now at 40).
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    Here's an interesting thread where several of the women who are experiencing this sort of pain also have endo:
    http://www.steadyhealth.com/stomache_cramps_while_running_t59043.html
  • kenzietate
    kenzietate Posts: 399 Member
    I don't have endo but I have PCOS and I do get the cramps you describe. It is usually when I push myself harder than usual while running. I have never gotten them during any other cardio or weight exercise. The only way to get them to stop for me is to just stop running for a few mins until they go away. If I keep going, it gets so bad that I almost collapse so I always just stop for a few mins. They seriously feel like the worst menstrual cramps I have had.
  • spartyhawk
    spartyhawk Posts: 136
    I have gotten the same thing for the first time and i have read it could be a few things, pushing to hard to the tendons. I have taken it easier and then pushed myself with getting passed it.
  • FizikallyFit
    FizikallyFit Posts: 180 Member
    could just be cramps I get them even when not on my monthly and I feel them sometimes after a jog. I just take a Midol before a good run, usually helps :D
  • spartyhawk
    spartyhawk Posts: 136
    or your not drinking enough water prior to your run as well I have founf that out as well, depends on how fast your run is that day.
  • hbrittingham
    hbrittingham Posts: 2,518 Member
    The ones I've had are definitely different to side stitches but also feel very different to menstrual cramps and are normally relieved by a lie down (or by passing wind - sorry if TMI!!!). Just my experiences :smile:

    I've had it happen to me, usually when I did a morning run after a big meal the night before. It does feel like menstrual cramps, but I think they were intestinal cramps instead. Now that I am running regularly, I don't have it happen anymore.
  • spartyhawk
    spartyhawk Posts: 136
    ok ya missed a bit on that oooops I made a mistake and i admit it lol, sorry ladies
  • lady6starlight
    lady6starlight Posts: 127 Member
    I had the same problem today. Keep an eye on when it happens during your cycle. Sorry for the TMI but I'm pretty sure it's my time for ovulation, which makes me feel really weird and I start cramping.
    In fact, I'm cramping as I type this. T_T
  • toscarthearmada
    toscarthearmada Posts: 382 Member
    Runner's Cramps!

    I heard you get them when you don't have enough hydration and oxygen in your blood system. I had them too when I first started C25K but I make it a point now to drink more water!
  • AngelsFan91106
    AngelsFan91106 Posts: 111 Member
    Bump to see more responses.

    I think the debilitating pain I used to get from running was related to my cycle. It had gotten considerably better as I got older, but they were so bad I'd have to curl up by the side of the road or whatever, and just wait until they went away.
  • Cara2628
    Cara2628 Posts: 64 Member
    YES I get this every time I run! I try to avoid running at all costs haha. It is literally the worst pain I have ever experienced. I have looked everyone online and have yet to find an answer to what it is or a solution to stop it. I end up having to lay on the floor nearly crying for about 10 - 15 mins after I run. If you find an answer please let me know!

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