severe stomach cramps while running

Bertymcbertface1

I've experienced this for many years, each time I've attempted running for fitness. It got to the point in my early 30's that I decided running wasn't for me. I would get 15-20 minutes into a run and suddenly the dreaded acute period pain type cramps would come on in my lower abdomen. I'd have to stop as the waves of pain hit, sweating, pale and trembling all over. I've staggered home before now, been sick and then had the urge to go for a poo (a little like you do when you have severe stomach cramps). After lying down and taking paracetamol the pain passes. I've been to my GP, asked fitness experts and no one seems to know. Earlier this year I signed up for a triathlon. My biggest worry has been the run. I trained for 4 weeks and then started the couch to 5k app. I've built up very slowly and have found the following:

1. Run early if possible - On getting up, drink half a small bottle of water and eat an apple, then run 20 minutes later. No pains.
2. If within a week of my period , I take 2 paracetamol before running. No pains.
3. I eat a light meal the night before running, no later than 6pm.
4. I ensure I've had a bowel movement before I run.
5. Starting my training with run walk run has been brilliant, can't recommend highly enough. I can comfortably run 5k now and have experienced NO PAIN for 12 weeks.
6. Running pace makes a difference - run steady and focus on breathing.

My triathlon is on Sunday. Today I got up and went for a run. I'd changed my routine. I'd eaten fish and chips last night at 8.30pm. I had a banana before my run. I had taken paracetamol as I'm due on (the day of my event!!). I was running with a slightly faster friend so was above my natural pace. Within 1 mile my cramps started. 5 minutes later I had to stop running. I slowed right down, took deep breaths and they passed within a couple of minutes. If I'd not taken the painkillers I'd have been on the floor, but they took the edge off.

My belief is that this is a bowel issue, exacerbated by hormonal/physical changes linked to menstruation. Hope my experiences can help others

queenr_7

The same thing has been happening to me lately. This is the second year I have run cross country with my school, though I did not run at all over the summer. We run 6 days a week for approximately 35 minutes. I am almost caught up, but lately I've been experiencing severe pain in my lower stomach area. I thought it was just cramps but I've never had cramps this bad. About 10 minutes into the run, I will notice it start to hurt, and within minutes I am unable to run at all, much less walk. To make it go away I'll have to lay down and press on my stomach for up to five minutes (I actually did this in the middle of a trail run on Monday. It was humiliating). Then after the five minutes, I'm perfectly fine, and am able to run like nothing happened. I'm terrified that this will happen during a race, so if anyone knows how to fix this, please let me know. Thanks!!