Abdominal cramping while running

tamiller93

I have been running for several years, but just got into running competitively over the past 6 months. I have done several 5K races and I have been training hard in the past month to improve my time. Things have went well. Until yesterday. About 8 minutes into my run, I began to have the most horrible abdominal cramps. The only way I can describe them is they felt exactly like horrible menstrual cramps. I mean BAD! It is not that t.o.m. for me, so I cannot see why I would be getting these cramps. I had to stop running and just walk awhile until they stopped. Today I had a 5K race and the exact same thing happened. I was devastated. I was in such pain after only a mile or so that I simply could not continue running. I was doubled over in pain and I had to walk the whole remainder of the course, which crushed me. I was disgusted with myself. So disgusted in fact, that when I got home from the race and rested a bit, I decided I would try it again. So I got my running gear on and went outside to give it another try. The same thing happened AGAIN at around the same time frame (about 8 min into my run)!! I am very upset about this, as I run pretty much every day of my life. I can't imagine not being able to run anymore because of this. It has never happened in all the time I've been running until yesterday.

I did a search online about this and although I saw a forums where other women have had this same problem, none of them have been able to get any doctors to tell them what the problem is or how to alleviate it. Several say they have tried Ibuprofen or other pain relievers pre-race, but to no avail. Many of them are told they need to do more stretching, breathe differently, etc. which I don't agree with. I know how to stretch before a race and I certainly know how to breathe properly while running. I know it is neither of those things. Some of the forums mentioned side stitch and I KNOW it's not that. It has to be something else. But what?

Does anyone have any information on this condition?

mlb929

Not sure how old you are or your gyn history - I would suggest speaking with your gyn over it. Here's why I say that. I have severe uterine fibroids and exercise can irritate the symptoms. In me it's brought on by blood flow restrictions. I've suffered for years, and had most worse problems while exercising. I have learned to work through it but you could have something more going on than you realize. My other thought would be if you have been doing any extra ab work or core strengthening - you could have strained something which just may take more time to heal as if it's a pulled muscle in your groin area.

tamiller93

No extra ab or core work lately. I had an ultrasound 3 months ago and everything was ok. I do have mild endometriosis, but it has never caused me any problems with exercising.

klthomas59

you aren't pregnant are you?

CharityD

Maybe ovarian cyst? Constipation?

tamiller93

you aren't pregnant are you?

Not a chance. Had a tubal about 6 yrs ago.