Runners Cramps?

Question

Hey all.. I've been running for about 3 months now, about 4+ times a week. Im in decent shape and I dont smoke. Though almost 1/3 through my normal run I get terrible side cramps. Can anyone offer any advice? I usually stretch and warm up before hand

Answer 1

what do you eat before you run and how long beforehand?

Answer 2

Dont eat before you run for at least an hour

Answer 3

Cramps can be the result of several things.  Eating or drinking too much before you run is a fairly common cause of cramps.  Try not to eat anything within at least an hour of your run and stay away from dairy, which takes a really long time to digest.  Drink water in small sips often, but never in large amounts.  If you chew gum on your runs or before a run like some people I know, that can give you cramps, too.  Irregular breathing can also cause sharp pains.  Try swimming some to learn to regulate your breathing and if you cramp during a run, try smoothing out your breathing some by breathing through your nose.

Answer 4

We really don't know what causes cramps yet. But it's been narrowed down to a few things-

1. Not drinking enough water though the days.

2. Not a lot of potassium in your system.(eat a banana)

3. Not breathing right. Try slowing down a bit to get a breathing pattern that works.

I also found that rolling your stomach help a lot for what ever reason. Lol, I know it sounds weird but it really does help.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 5

i wish they did have some unning camps nea me because i run eveyday around my apt / home in Apple valley victoville and even hesperica CA

Answer 6

what you need to do is the side that u have the stomach cramp in is that u put up your oppisite arm and streach your side and breath after a while it will go away.at least that is what i do for me and it works