How can you avoid getting cramps when running?

Question

When I go running I sometimes get cramps under my right ribcage. I gets really annoying and makes it so diffucult to run. Does anybody know how I can run without getting them. I'll give you 10 points if you give me a good, through, answer that aftually will help.

Thanks so much and no rude comments please :)

Answer 1

Try a salt tab- they replace your electrolytes. They're great for cramping in your legs too. Take one BEFORE you cramp. These are especially good for long distances and if you sweat a lot.

Answer 2

Well Cramps happen for a couple reasons. Either you eat right before running or you might drink water during your run, or too much cold water before running. Also if you take lots of stops, that can hurt you. Or you might just not be in great shape. Also you might be hunched over when you are running up hill and that can cause cramps.

Definately eat a banana before a race, but for me just before I go for a long a run, I eat an hour before, and sip water up until I leave, not too much, just enough to keep me hydrated. Also make sure to stretch out well before you run. Not too much because stretching is bad for you if you do too much. Just loosen up your muscles. If you get a cramp, I have two techniques of getting rid of it. Try exhaling when your foot on the opposite side of where your cramp is hits the ground. Example: You have a cramp on the left side, exhale when your right foot hits the ground. Or just try taking in some deeper breaths, make sure you have air in your lungs.

Hope I helped.

Answer 3

well I heard bannas are supposed to work well for that. But what ever you do dont eat it to close to runing because I ate on like 30mins before and it made me sick to my stomach. I would also try munching on some  plain crackers if you need something in your stomach.

Answer 4

Before a run, try not to eat alot of food, and dont drink ALOT of water.

You can drink some water but dont drink like a whole bottle, also you dont wanna eat that much before a run, maybe crackers or a peanut butter sandwich.

Also eat healthy dont eat food you dont need.

Also breathe easily, and also watch your form, form is important, if your hands are going everywhere and crossing then you waste alot more energy, also i got cramps from fooling around on runs, so if you fool around alot  try to keep it to the minimum :p

Answer 5

salt! increase your sodium, and drink tons of water! and remember to breath!

Answer 6

Try to not eat anything big 2 hours before you run.

A banana or some crackers/pretezels are good maybe an hour or so before. Also drink lots of water.

Cramps are something that is very avoidable, you must experiment with foods to see what works for you.

For a lot of my runners, pop-tarts work really well, but I high suggest bananas.