Side cramps while Running

Jenners4
Jenners4 Posts: 49 Member
edited October 4 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi, I am a beginner runner and have been getting side cramps shortly after starting my run .... What is causing this? Breathing wrong? Wrong food in my stomach? Please Help... Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Replies

  • SabrinaG1986
    SabrinaG1986 Posts: 135 Member
    /subbing
  • girlwapp
    girlwapp Posts: 136 Member
    try it so that you inhale/exhale when your left foot hits the ground, as opposed to the right. That's what helped my side cramps a lot... you probably also want to make sure you're well hydrated before you start your run.
  • bereal75
    bereal75 Posts: 17 Member
    The medical reasons for side cramps are not completely clear yet.
    Try to lower pace for a few weeks until your endurance has catched up.
    The fitter you are the less side cramps you will experience.
  • Angelie28
    Angelie28 Posts: 197 Member
    I used to get those a lot when I first started to run and wasn't drinking enough water. When i upped the water intake it went away for me hope that helps :)
  • Jolenebib
    Jolenebib Posts: 142 Member
    I get them if I eat too close to starting a run. I usually have to wait a half hour to an hour depending on how much food. Same thing goes with the amount of water - you should definitely hydrate but don't drink a full water bottle right before running. This also goes with an empty stomach...there's a happy medium. I've found that taking slow deep,steady inhales and exhales helps to move the diaphragm and relax the cramps when I do get them. While running, try to keep your breathing slow and steady; make your inhale as long as your exhale. I've also been told to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, though I have a hard time with this while running, but some can do it just fine. Cramps also go away the more you run and the better you get.
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    running on an empty stomach helps me from cramping
  • Jenners4
    Jenners4 Posts: 49 Member
    Woohoo..... 3.5km and no side cramps! I had breakfast and a big glass of water and then waited over an hour to run. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
  • nirvana1
    nirvana1 Posts: 58
    Jenners that was the perfect thing to do. I'm a runner and I always leave it an hour at least after eating (unless maybe it was just a banana, which is a great runners food btw) and I only sip water before I go so I don't have loads swishing round in there.
  • slimkitty
    slimkitty Posts: 418
    Don't eat too close to your run. make sure you are very hydrated. Give yourself a longer warm up. If you still get a cramp while you are running - suck in your stomach and press hard with your fingers on the cramp. It works for me every time.
  • Jenners4
    Jenners4 Posts: 49 Member
    Thanks
This discussion has been closed.

Categories