We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Cramps while running

niki_002
niki_002 Posts: 3 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I am getting a cramp everytime I go for a run and it starts at about 2 mins into my run. Does anyone know how to get rid of the cramp while still running? Or know what causes this?

Replies

  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    Slow down and breath
  • niki_002
    niki_002 Posts: 3 Member
    I did try walking it out but as soon as a start running again it instantly comes back
  • jkwolly
    jkwolly Posts: 3,049 Member
    Do you eat before you run? How much did you drink before?

    I find having a fuller stomach leads to cramps/nausea.
    But ultimately it's usually from going too quickly.

    A good trick I use if I get a cramp, make a fist with your thumb inside of your fingers and squeeze tight! I find it helps take my mind off of it and I don't notice them as badly.
  • The_Enginerd
    The_Enginerd Posts: 3,982 Member
    niki_002 wrote: »
    I did try walking it out but as soon as a start running again it instantly comes back
    The most common cause of this is running too fast. You should be able to hold light conversation during a run.
  • badbradclark
    badbradclark Posts: 47 Member
    If it's a side cramp, it's likely food or fluids in the belly that could be the culprit. I've made the mistake of starting a run too soon after dinner and I will always get a cramp. For me, I just keep running and it'll go away eventually.
  • niki_002
    niki_002 Posts: 3 Member
    Ok thank you! I thought it might have been the eating before running so this morning I tried on an empty stomach but got the same thing so maybe I just need to take it a bit easier.
  • badbradclark
    badbradclark Posts: 47 Member
    It could be muscular - maybe you need to strengthen up your core with some ab work.
  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    edited March 2015
    Not sure about your situation, but when I first started running I had the same issue. Turns out I have some adhesion from my last c-section. The only way to fix it is to have another operation. Not doing that. I slowed down to a jog and started doing plank and core building exercises and now I rarely get much crampiness but I only run a 12 minute mile.
  • runner475
    runner475 Posts: 1,236 Member
    Slow down.
  • krdews
    krdews Posts: 124 Member
    This is not a solution; but just a funny story. I've been running for years and when I get that side cramp I tell myself that it was fat breaking away - the mind games we play! Fortunately, it's not often and doesn't last long.
  • beemerphile1
    beemerphile1 Posts: 1,710 Member
    Cramp where? Are you talking about a side stitch? A side stitch is caused by poor breathing technique.
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    Slow down and quit forcing a pace.
  • engmomma
    engmomma Posts: 5 Member
    Slow down and quit forcing a pace.

    this

  • Asher_Ethan
    Asher_Ethan Posts: 2,430 Member
    I use to get those too. Slow down and drink water then slowly add in a jog.
  • stephanie1x2
    stephanie1x2 Posts: 55 Member
    I have that problem though as i started running more frequently the problem got less and less make sure your breath consistently
  • Eat a banana each morning. Drink more than a gallon of water each day. Stretch before and after your workout.
This discussion has been closed.