Occassional Severe Stomach Cramp While Running

mags16

Every couple of months or so, while running, I get a really severe cramp at the base of my stomach. This happens only when I am running outdoors or am running on a treadmill. If I feel it coming on, I slow down to a walk and then it doesn't develop. I goes after 10 minutes or so and I can resume my workout with no pain. But that 10 minutes is very uncomfortable.

Does anybody else experience this? I exercise regularly, am female, not overweight and in my early 40s. I've been having this cramp all my adult life so if it was terminal, I'd be well dead by now!!:D

It only happens when I run, not when I am doing any other kind of exercise.

Posters might tell me to see a doctor but it happens very rarely and is a mild nuisance rather than a major health worry.

Khannie

Is it a stitch? I get them occasionally. Any cold liquids before exercise = guaranteed stitch for me.

Oryx

I was wondering about a stitch too. Tho I tend to get them in the ribs.

Otherwise, not being funny, but could it be something like trapped wind?

And Khannie... Ill be watching the liquids from now on!

Khannie

Oryx wrote: »

And Khannie... Ill be watching the liquids from now on!

Yeah, if I'm taking in liquids before exercise I always make sure they're luke warm / close to body temperature. Was my Muay Thai coach who gave me that tip.

mags16

Thanks guys for the replies. I don't think it is a stitch. It is really low in my abdomen and sometimes it is accompanied by a mild case or "the runs" (pun intended).

It had occurred to me a few days ago that I couldn't remember when I last had the cramp and then of course I had one today.

Thanks for the tip about the water.

Oryx

mags16 wrote: »

sometimes it is accompanied by a mild case or "the runs" (pun intended).

That I recognise. I used to get that in the early stages when I began running. I put it down to my 'system' not liking the thudding of running. I didnt have pain, just well... the other problem*.

*god, the things I mention here.:D

mags16

Oryx wrote: »

That I recognise. I used to get that in the early stages when I began running. I put it down to my 'system' not liking the thudding of running. I didnt have pain, just well... the other problem*.

*god, the things I mention here.:D

Indeed, I spent a few moments deciding how to describe that condition in a lady-like genteel mannner.

I think it is my intestines going into spasms with all the impact.

mags, does this ever happen in the middle of your menstrual cycle?
I ask because I sometimes get a severe pain during ovulation if I'm exercising vigorously and it's like what you've described.
Doesn't happen that often but Christ it really hurts when it does!
I did ask my gynae about it but he said not to worry.

mags16

I have wondered about that before but I haven't noticed it happening more at a particular point in my cycle.

hunnymonster

mags, happens me too. A good poo in a local field and I'm usually on my way again. I've always put it down to the mechanical bouncing around of the poo in my lower intenstine and once cleared, I'm good to go. As you say, if it was serious you would know about it by now. Try to go to the toilet before you start your run and see if it makes a difference.

I'm interested that you say it only happens when you run outdoors or on the threadmill. Can I ask where else you run?;)

mags16

I'm glad someone else has the same thing.

hunnymonster wrote: »

I'm interested that you say it only happens when you run outdoors or on the threadmill. Can I ask where else you run?;)

When I reread my post, I realised that it didn't really make sense.