How can I avoid getting stomach cramps when i run?

Question

I love to run, but lately I've been getting stomach aches and cramps so bad that I have to slow down or even walk sometimes. This is no good for my daily workouts. Any ideas how I can avoid getting cramps, or what might be causing them?

Answer 1

I believe theres 2 answers to your question. A lot of people think that its what you eat that has an effect on your stomach. i.e. eatting and running too soon.

I believe its a combination of Breathing and how long you have been running for. When you slow down your breathing and make sure you take deep breaths you will slow down your heart rate and cause less stress on the rest of your body which should decrease the chances of having abdominal pains when running. I have found this to be true to myself and I am a frequent runner who runs for 3-7 miles a day.

The fact is when you first start running your pushing the limits of your body. The first reaction of people is to breath quickly to provide energy for this harder exercise and what happens is your heart rate jumps up. Believe it or not the human body has about 12 seconds of expendable quick burst energy for you to use for full speed running. But you dont even have to be full speed running to use up that energy if you are breathing fast you will cause your body to overwork and thats a big contributor to stomach cramps, fatigue, exhaustion. If you slow your breathing down and keep your heart rate down you still provide all the energy you need for running but you also provide oxygen to all your organs/muscles.

Try taking a breath in and holding it for about 2-3 steps then letting it out over the next 2-3 steps. At first it will feel weird because you are making your body do something it does not want to do but once you get the hang of it you will drastically increase your running endurance and those stomach pains will go away shortly thereafter. If you still do have stomach pains try slowing down just a bit, but try not to stop running as you will eventually have a routine of doing that every time you run. I myself fell into a groove of stopping halfway on my 3 mile runs a few years back, its a hard habbit to break.

Last of all keep with it and have fun. Try running 3 times a week and going from there. Once you get rid of those stomach pains you can have a lot of fun getting out and running on a nice running trail. Good luck with everything!

Answer 2

Exercise or no exercise you won't be able to lose the weight if you don't cut your food intake but we all know that's pretty hard, right? A good appetite suppressant can help you out big time but it has to be natural or you can get into serious heath problems.

I lost 38 lbs in 2 months by using garcinia cambogia extract (FDA approved 100% natural). In my first month 26 and then 12 the second month. I was an emotional eater and these supplements changed my life. They act like an appetite suppressant so I didn't feel like eating anymore. Not hungry anymore -> Lower calories -> Lose weight, simple as that. I did no exercises just 20 minutes walks 5 days a week.

It's been 4 months since I lost the weight and I did not gain any pounds back, actually I lost another 5 lbs (I stop taking them after I lost the weight). If you want to take a look here is a website where you can find discounts: http://www.garciniacambogiapromo.com I got them 30% off from here. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I Keep Getting Stomach Cramps

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How can I avoid getting stomach cramps when i run?
I love to run, but lately I've been getting stomach aches and cramps so bad that I have to slow down or even walk sometimes. This is no good for my daily workouts. Any ideas how I can avoid getting cramps, or what might be causing them?

Answer 5

What you are talking about is a Stitch on you side right? If so than it could be that you are breathing patterns are off. This kind of cramp usually happens because of internal organs (like the liver and stomach) pulling downwards on the diaphragm( the muscle you use to breath).Try these tips.

You have to Strengthen core muscles (abdominals, lower back, obliques)

Drink water beforehand in order to prevent muscle cramps

When running
Exhale when the left foot hits the ground, and inhale when the right foot hits the ground this will put less stress on the liver and diaphram

And if it happens again a good way to get rid of it right away is to stop exercising and With your fingers, push into your stomach on the right side, and up under the rib cage. At the same time, forcefully let out a deep exhale while holding your lips closely together.

I find that the main problem with my clients who experiance this is a deviation in their posture. Try this, Stand up against a wall with your feet, butt and head all touching the wall. While keeping these body parts on the wall raise your arms until they are up over you head and completly straight. Does your lower back pull away from the wall? can you get your arms fully extended over your head and against the wall? If so than you probably have a week Core along with a very tight Lat (the big muscle on the side of your back) You should try and stretch those out if it is the case and try and strengthen your Core. Ckeck out my website if you want a complete assesment of your posture.
www.trainerforce.net/robertonlinetraining

Answer 6

I can't avoid stomach cramps if I start running too fast. So start walking briskly (around 3.8 mph) for up to 5 minutes and gradually increase your pace till you start running on your own. But try to delay running.. for example, try to walk till 7mph! It burns fats and builds resistance *precisely* as if you were running but is easier on your joints (minor joint pain can be a reason of improper breathing!).

Push your speed SLOWLY. As you get the pain back, slow down a LITTLE bit, then push the speed up again. It works (dad is a marathon athlete and taught me this trick). Keep on running till your legs have energy for that speed and then slow down for 5 minutes before stopping it all.

Remember that the way you move your shoulders and arms is very important in helping you breathing the right way. Breathe in with your nose and out with your mouth. Drink little sips of water. Do NOT drink cold fluids.

Answer 7

Walk to your co-worker's desk to chat instead of instant messaging.

Answer 8

In the mood for a new hot meal? Make a massive pot of veggie bean soup, divide into two-cup containers, and store inside freezer. Before bed, place a container inside fridge, then grab it before heading out the door each day.

Answer 9

Don’t focus on your weaknesses, spotlight your best bits. Smaller waist? Belt it in. Lovely bust? Lower the neckline. Well developed butt? Rock tight jeans. Captivating legs? Show ‘em off. It’s really that easy.

Answer 10

Eat in front of a person rather than a screen. It cuts down on mindless eating and enables you to more accountable for each chunk.