Running Cramps

[Gill]

Whenever I run, whether I'm going 12mph or 3mph, I'll start getting cramps in my abdomen. Its different each time. Sometimes its my upper right abdomen other times bottom left, upper left, bottom right, etc.

I've tried drinking less water before running, more water, having a full digested stomach and content stomach. What gives?

To you experienced runners, is there a technique or anything I should ensure I'm using? Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[virus]

Well i'm definitely not an experienced runner but this issue is common, especially for long distance runners. Usually its a hydration issue (not enough water.) Another thing is lack of oxygen (your kidney is getting lack of oxygen/blood.)

Tips:

- Breathe through your nose
- When you start getting the cramp, lean to that side (or try to)
- Sounds stupid but get one of those tai-chi breathing exercise dvd
- drink some gaterade (or something filled with electrolytes) hour to half hour before you run.

[RyanLRams]

Whenever I get a cramp while running, I hold my arm on that particular sideof my body over my head and it goes away.

[lostboyrufio]

there's been some good advice so far. Make sure that you're hydrated, stretch properly, and breathe in your nose and out your mouth. Whenever i get a liver cramp (upper right), i do what ryan says.

[noliver2003]

From what you are saying you have done all the normal remedies for typical runners distress. But there may be underlying conditions. Any problems with bowle movements, discoloration during urination. What supplements are you taking? I have heard about creatine causing some of these symptoms in weight-lifting-runner. Any other physical condition the you have or have had. If its been going on for awhile (more than a couple weeks) with no decline go get checked out by your doctor. If it is bearable it should be a quick easy fix.

[Gill]

Thanks for all of the advice, everybody. I'll try focusing on my breathing patterns more.

@Noliver: I admittedly have Medical Student's Disease, haha. I'm so anal about anything and everything with my body and its functions. If I ever feel something is slightly off, I get it checked out. All of that is fine, but you asked the same question I would have

[Massive D]

Make sure your opening you chest up as large as you can making sure your standing erect with your shoulders back taking in as much air into your lungs as possible. Also in thorugh your nose and out through your mouth.

MD

[Gill]

I've been out of town for the past two days but I've done two cardio sessions since my OP. The first time, from a mixture of applications you guys suggested, I didn't start camping until late into the run. Ontop of that, the cramp was minor. Ontop of that, Ryan's advice to raise my arm up and behind my head on the appropriate side really took the edge off of it. The cramp remained but it wasn't bad at all. Before my second session, I got a bottle of gatorade (which I usually stay away from because of sugar) and drank it about an hour before my workout. No cramps at all.

Who knows whether it was placebo effect or good results, regardless, it helped. Thanks everybody. I'll keep you up to date.

[Gill]

I did 15 minutes of HIIT tonight. 40 second intervals at 11mph with 1 minute rest. No cramps.

I drank an 8oz bottle of G2 (Gatorade low calorie electrolyte drink). Tastes like cough syrup but might be doing the trick.

[virus]

Gill, electrolytes are a runners best friend. All the advice given in this thread is on the money.

Your the only person I know who doesn't like gatorade lol.

Edit - oh G2? Never heard of that... I usually buy the Gatorade in powder and mix it. Cheapest way IMO.

[lostboyrufio]

G2, half the gatorade but the same price lol.




i'm just kidding, seen the commercials, never tried to stuff.

[Gill]

I picked G2 because its lower calorie, comes in mini-bottles and has less sugar. Gatorade has so much damn sugar in it. The mini bottles are perfect for pre-workout.

[lostboyrufio]

Originally Posted by Gill

I picked G2 because its lower calorie, comes in mini-bottles and has less sugar. Gatorade has so much damn sugar in it. The mini bottles are perfect for pre-workout.

If you're in it for the electrolytes, and less sugar, why not propel fitness water?

g2 is marketed as in between workouts. gatorade before my training/games hasn't had any effect on my work, but drinking it during and after has def. helped me out.

[Gill]

I didn't realize propel had an electrolyte complex. I thought it was just flavored water with a bit of carbs/sugar. I'll definitely check that out. Thanks for the heads up.

[Betrayal]

Well I cant say much about the complements cause I dont really use them, I run around 10 km a day (I think thats 6 miles, correct me if Im wrong), what I usually do, is:

not eating anything the 2 hours previous to go running (of course, I eat before that, around 3-4 hours before).

drink abundant water til the half an hour previous to run

make a good "stretching session"

and ALWAYS, ALWAYS breathe with my nose, exhale with my mouth


the last one is a must, it can drastically improve/screw your running sessions. I dont really know why, a gym teacher I had at highschool told me it was because if you breathe with your nose then the air gets filtered and doesnt go as cold as it is to your lungs or something like that, I dont know if its true but I just do it and it works fine for me. I am no expert in running, I just enjoy doing it and do it quite a lot, and thats what I do, might be personal though, works for me.

[TrackRunner126]

To the OP..
Ive been running track and cross counbtry to about 2 years and here is what i can tell you...
Make SURE you are hydrated...
All ways strech good..
Try to have a consistant breathing pattern. i.e. dont breath real fast then go o slow or something to that nature.
And try to stay "loose" when you run. if you have to shake your arms and legs around for a sec while you run..