severe stomach cramps while running

little_lion · February 2011

Hey everyone. This post contains some information which might be TMI for some people (especially guys) so .. just warning you.

I am doing Couch to 5k at the moment and I am currently on week 3. I've done 3 runs this week. The first was on Tuesday AM, outside, however after about 5 mins I developed really bad pains in my lower stomach - it felt exactly like period pains but REALLY bad (I have never had period pains this bad in my life). I stopped running and went home (doubled over in pain ..) thinking I had appendicitis or something (haha) however I laid down for about 15 mins with a hot bean bag on my tummy and eventually the pain went away.

(On Wednesday AM I came on my period so I decided that must have been the reason...)

I ran again in the gym on the treadmill on Wednesday morning and felt no pain at all and completed my run with no problems.

Today (Friday) I went back to the gym in the morning and ran again, after about 15 mins I felt the pain begin again but decided to carry on to see I could 'run through it'. By the end of my run I was in huge amounts of pain again, I couldn't even walk the 5 minute cool down at the end, so I got off the machine and sat in the stretching area, trying to stretch it out (made no difference).. Starting to feel a bit embarassed because I was trying not to cry! LOL. After about 10 mins I decided to use the weight machines for my arms because at least then I'd be sitting down. On the walk to the machine I was in so much pain I thought I was going to throw up..
Anyway, the pain lasted about 15 mins and then I was able to carry on with my workout (bike & elliptical) as though nothing had happened.

Has anyone else experienced this?? Is it something I am doing wrong, e.g. breathing wrong? I am going to ask a fitness coach for advice next time I am at the gym but wondered if anyone had an answer on here. I am really enjoying running and building my way to doing 5k which is a big fitness motivation for me.. So I don't want this to stop me running

Thanks !

mrsdstarks · February 2011

The first thing that comes to mind is dehydration...are you drinking enough water? After speaking to your fitness coach you may want to speak to your doctor as well. It's odd how the pain comes and then goes. Hope it gets better for you.

dreamwellali · February 2011

If the pain is that severe, I would go see a doctor about it. And sooner rather than later. Abdominal pain like that is not something to mess around with. Better to be safe than sorry. (I say this having learned the lesson the hard way too many times.)

benitocereno · February 2011

Yep, it's most likely your breathing

. I've had the same thing on occasion, as does my wife when we run together. After some experience and focusing on your breathing it should mostly go away. If it hurts when you're running slow down, go into a walk, focus on your breathing rhythm, then try again. Good luck

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_5/227.shtml

PS. One thing you didn't mention is what you ate before either of these workouts (unless I missed it!). You may want to try some anti-gas medication about an hour before your run to see if it helps. Yes, it can really hurt _that bad_.

maryrunslikeafox · February 2011

Definitely don't stop running! I just started running again too! I am training for a half marathon in April. Just out of curiosity, how close to your runs are you eating? Sometimes when I eat too close to the time I am running I get stomach cramps. The other day this happened to me. I know what you mean about feeling like period pain. It might be gas from what you ate. Pain from gas can be completely horrible! I try to have the last thing I ate about 3 hours before I run. Before I run, I stop drinking glasses of water an hour before (I bring water to sip on during my run though)... and I usually use gatorade prime before my long runs. It's an energy pack, I use it if I'm going over 3 miles.

amg_89 · February 2011

I used to have that SAME problem when I ran cross country in high school. I can't tell you what caused it, but it did eventually go away. There is hope! Now I'm not saying this had anything to do with my issue, but when I got into college I stopped eating meat and haven't had the issue since. That's really the only correlation I can find..I also switched from white carbs to wheat or whole grain once i got to college

YogaRunner · February 2011

Three things to keep in mind...Frequency, Intensity and Duration. The description you give is of INTENSE pain, it has happened several times and the frequency seems to be increasing, not decreasing, and it seems your pain lasted quite a while after you stopped running (15 min is long IMHO). Go to the doctor. Do not keep running. I agree that you should be safe rather than sorry. Too many times people put off (me included) going to the doctor thinking something will just go away. Get it checked out so you can know for sure if it is something serious or not. Don't rely on your trainer to diagnose you!

little_lion · February 2011

I'm a vegetarian so don't eat meat anyway.. Umm I usually have a bowl of porridge and a banana about 1.5 hours before i exercise, do you think that i should leave it longer after I eat? or maybe just have the banana? I don;t think i'm dehydrated, I drink a lot of water before and during exercising..
The breathing information looks really useful, thank you!
Also could it be anything to do with my posture?? $:\$

riley711 · February 2011

I'm not a runner although I want to try the C25K program.

However, your cramps sound like either dehydration or a potassium deficiency. Whenever I start cramping, I drink a large glass of orange juice and lots of water.

kmtetour · February 2011

I'm going to agree with the breathing thing. I have narrow nasal passages and I get cramping a lot. Try using breath right strips when you are working out. A lot of pro athletes do that.

marmite230 · February 2011

im a very experienced runner and i always leave 2.5 hours minimum after eating before i run and i dont drink any energy drinks within 60 mins prior to running either.

My pre-running meal will be small but loaded with energy and you need to make sure your water intake is adequate.
Dont eat a lot before training, just eat a high energy meal.
Peanut butter sandwich is perfect. Then eat within 30 mins of finishing.

You just need to do the right things before you run and also visit the docs.

marmite230 · February 2011

I hope you are warmin up properly too prior to running. A brisk walk of at least 2 mins with deep breathing will help.

margie_77 · February 2011

I made the mistake of eating taco bell before a run when I was just starting out. I thought I was going to die right there on the treadmill. Definately look at what you're eating. I've never had the pain come back

little_lion · February 2011

Is my food diary public? (Sorry I'm new so not sure how to work it out!) But you can see what I am eating on there if nutrition could be a problem.
I always warm up, I do stretches and walk for 5 mins before running.
I will definitely try leaving a longer gap after eating though, and also change my breathing.
Does anyone have any tips for breathing properly when running?

lesley1981 · February 2011

I was drawn to this topic because I too have recently experienced quite severe cramps while exercising... mostly while walking.

Mine feel more like a "stitch" but more intense, and I do try to keep going through the pain, but it does slow me down! And it's always on the left side of my lower abdomen! TBH, I thought nothing of it until I read the posts here, I was putting it down to drinking too much water just before my walk!

**edited to add... I just head from my friend that a cramp in the side or lower abdomen is due to exhaling while stepping onto the right foot!!

lainglesita · February 2011

I would have a couple days' rest and take it down a notch and see if that has an impact. If not I would talk to someone at the gym or go see a doctor.

Newfiedan · February 2011

I was getting bad cramping about 2 miles or 20 mins into my runs after about 1 month of running and they were sharp cramps that forced me to slow down, one person on here suggested that I exhale when my left foot lands to prevent it and surprisingly enough once I did this the cramps did not happen, do not ask me to explain how or why but it worked for me.

aliciamille · February 2011

Definitely try exhaling when your left foot comes down. I had cramps for years and years and years and years (high school...college and beyond) and it magically went away when I started breathing correctly!

I am also a very experienced runner. I've been running since 1999. I don't know what classifies as "severe" pain...I mean these side stitches were severe when I first started getting them because I wasn't used to getting them. Sometimes they can be so bad that they literally stop you in your tracks. People who just start running for the first time may think they're dying when really they're just not that used to the stress running puts on the body.

For me, food has nothing to do with it...I can be eating as I'm walking out the door to run and it doesn't matter. I can eat meats, veggies, tacos, BURGERS, it doesn't matter....It's all about breathing for me! Sometimes I'm in the zone and BOOM, a cramp comes on, and I realize that I had been exhaling on the right foot instead of the left...oops. I'll correct it and it will go away within a minute!

Good luck with your race! Everyone has their own personal rituals but you will find what works for you

little_lion · February 2011

Really interested in this breathing on the left foot thing.. What do you mean? When I run, the pace my feet move at is much faster than my pace of breathing... so do you just mean BEGIN exhaling when my left foot hits the ground? or should I be breathing really really fast so it goes right, inhale, left, exhale...?

aliciamille · February 2011

obviously you're going to take more than one stride with your feet while you're inhaling....just make sure that when you exhale, your left foot hits the ground at the point in which you blow the air out of your lungs. I probably exhale every 4 strides.

I dont know how else to explain it lol...theres lots of articles online if you google it

nady20 · August 2013

I had the exact same problem today while running exactly how you described! The only possible thing I can think of is that you are 2-3 days off getting your period and the heavy exercise is just too much? I jogged slowly once the pain had subsided and it was much better but I was going about 1/3 of my original pace
also have been running for years, eat well - and ate at least 2 hrs before my run. I was breathing correctly and it was a normal run I do often so I really believe its linked to your cycle!

clairhugs · December 2013

I suffer from exactly the same complaint. The pain will often come on about 20minutes into a run and once it does it is impossible to continue running. It is so severe I have the sensation of needing to pass a bowel motion. From the research I have done it would seem that this is not uncommon. I have experimented with changing my breathing patterns when running and this has helped in some ways but not always. It is very frustrating as I often find I suffer this pain when I am running good times rather than just a casual run. I often run on an empty stomach preferring to run in the morning before breakfast so i can't contribute this to food. Maybe dehydration although I do hydrate before running. It is very annoying!! I can become quite paranoid about it especially before taking part in any serious running events.

janetpickle1 · January 2014

I'm glad the original poster posted this because i have struggled with this problem all my life and always thought it was super weird and only i ever experienced it. It started happening in my early teens. i remember once running really hard with my friend's soccer team and feeling great until about 15 minutes in, i had to go lay down in the field rocking back and forth in the worst kind of pain, much like you describe - like period cramps but much much worst, and very often nausea and a powerful need to move the bowels. it comes in waves of intensity and when the wave is on the backside of the pain it is the greatest feeling of relief, until it comes back. I am now in my 30's and it still happens to me - it happened to me just tonight! But i am very out of shape right now. I started running more seriously over a year ago (then quit) and the stomach hurricane came every time in the first ten runs or so, pretty much consistently within fifteen minutes. but i was determined to beat it so i would just run near my house until the aches came, then go inside and get over it and then start my run again and i would almost always be totally fine once i got the stomach ache out of the way. eventually, i stopped getting them. so it seemed like the stronger my body was, the less likely it was that it would happen (i was combining running with resistance training, too). i also became much more conscientious about consistency with diet so that my bowel movements occurred at the same time every day and if i was sufficiently emptied, the aches wouldn't happen. being hydrated is key, and being warmed up is key, as well. but i see from others' posts that paying attention to breathing would be helpful as well. i just wanted to post to keep you encouraged and so you know you are not alone!

jweindruch · January 2014

Running and me have had our issues. I've experienced cramps like you mention. I've had pains from my toes all they way up. I even had hematuria once after a really long strenuous run where I pushed myself too hard while probably being dehydrated. In order for it to be perfect you have to train your mind, heart, and body to all function optimally as one. If one of those isn't ready your gonna have a problem in some form or another. I find the best approach is to push yourself but don't over do it. Certainly don't give up…just slow it down. A couple things that helped me. Don't eat anything big before a run. But on the other side don't run on an empty stomach. Don't pee within 45 minutes before a run. You don't want to run on an empty bladder. If you're running for over 45 minutes you need to find a way to rehydrate. If you're running for over 60 minutes you should consider adding some fuel/food/drink to your run. Listen to your body, all three factors: Mind, Heart, and Body. The expression "Rome wasn't built in a day" comes to mind. Enjoy the journey and realize you may not reach your running goals overnight. Good luck!

korencarpenter · January 2014

While I rarely get a side stitch I've had my fair share, what works for my is to breath into the location with intention. also breathing rhythm will help. you can start out breathing in for four counts out for four, or two if your heart rate is increased. I think it's the same as breathing out on the left foot strike, that too is about rhythm. Or you can stub your toe on something and that will surely take the stitch away! whatever you do don't stop running, all these little aches and pains do go away, it may take years but they will eventually subside.

lkobrien10 · February 2014

Hi I just read your post from about a year or two ago and I am having the exact same problem! I run about a mile and a half and then get such severe pains I have to sit down somewhere in private because I'm doubled over in pain. However after about ten minutes they're gone and I can keep running and continuing my workout without them coming back. Did you ever figure out what was wrong or how to fix them? Because I went and saw my doctor and she has pretty much no idea what to do, any advice? Thanks!!

SusiQMcHugh · February 2014

Stitches from incorrect breathing or cramping muscles generally occur higher up than the woman describes - I would recommend going to a gynecologist and/or a gastroenterologist. This could be an ovarian cyst that gets aggravated with the motion. You could aggravate an existing intestinal or gynecological problem. Ovarian cysts are benign but believe me, they can cause a lot of pain!

http://www.livestrong.com/article/427855-pain-in-the-ovaries-after-running/

While running and meeting your goal is important, it will happen eventually and you shouldn't put your health at risk.

Good luck and God bless!

bpsoftballchic · February 2014

I've been having the same problem! It never happened when i was younger, but a year or two ago I started jogging and the first time it happened I was in a lot of pain. It felt just like period cramps, except ten times worse. It only seemed to happen when I was PMSing in the beginning. But over time it became more and more frequent, eventually I just stopped running. Recently I signed up for a 5k so I've started running again, and every single time at the same point I get these cramps. I've tried to just push through it but they only get worse. If I stop for about 5 minutes it slowly goes away and I'm able to get back to my workout. My first thought was dehydration and eating habits too, but I've tried drinking more, eating closer to or farther before running, I've tried eating different foods, nothing seems to make a difference :frown: I play softball and I've never had a problem when we did sprints so it seems to only be long distance (I'm not much of a runner so long distance for me is a mile

) This problem is becoming more and more frustrating because I'd be able to push much farther if I didn't have to stop for the abdominal pain, and its really slowing down my progress. If anyone could give me some insight on what might be causing this pain I'd really appreciate it!

bpsoftballchic · February 2014

I just saw your comment and I've been having a very similar problem to the one the original post descried. My sister had multiple ovarian cysts that she eventually had to get surgically removed, thankfully they were benign. The doctors said there was a chance I could have the same problem. I had an ultra sound a few years ago which came up clean, but they said many times they don't develop until your late teens, early 20s. Could it be possible that ovarian cysts could be causing my pain during running even if I don't have symptoms any other time?

fitnessfoodtravel · February 2014

Thank you for posting this! I had it happen this morning after a cardio workout. At this point in my cycle, I am 1 week after my period ended and it seems to be worse the first 1-2 days of my period. I have had ovarian cysts and currently am following up with my Dr about endemetriosis. My worst episode last 1.5 hours, with the cramps following a rhythm of 10 intense seconds of pain then nothing, etc. I even got chills and intense sweating. My husband wanted to take me to a clinic but I couldn't move...
I kinda find it funny that some of the guys were saying they had this exactly too, since you said it felt like your period. LOL. Nice to see the support though...
I'll keep checking this thread and hope to see others share their experiences and updates.

AngerPancake · June 2014

This has happened to me the last 3 workouts. I described it as menstrual cramps, but worse. I was sure I was dying. It mekes me dread working out. I will try concentrating on my breathing.

severe stomach cramps while running

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