Abdominal pain while running

connierebel · 08-17-2009, 01:37 PM

I have been trying to start running regularly (Well, jogging), but recently I've noticed a problem. Whenever I run in the morning, I get terrible cramps or pain in my abdomen. It usually starts in my right side, but by the time I've gone about a mile it spreads to my whole upper abdomen. This doesn't happen when I run in the afternoon, only in the morning. I make sure I eat breakfast, and I wait an hour or two after eating before I start jogging. I want to continue running in the morning, before it gets too hot. I was wondering if it because my system is all full of air from not eating all night? Anyway, is there any way to prevent this? I am trying to start slow and work my way up to running faster, hoping to join the army next year. I know I could run in the afternoon or at night, but I think in the army they run in the morning.

misstenacity · 08-19-2009, 11:13 AM

Try not eating anything before you run. You have enough energy stored up to do the run just fine, unless you're going out for more than 2 hours.

Charger · 08-25-2009, 01:26 PM

I usually eat before I run, and I think you just need to play with what you're eating. For example, some people have a tough time with milk. It seems to be different for each person.

NYC_Native · 08-29-2009, 07:34 PM

As Charger said, it's a matter of personal preference - I usually just stick w/a slice of toast with jelly/preserves before a run, and will sometimes skip it depending on how full my tummy feels. Avoiding certain things before heading out, such as fat (ex., peanut butter) also seems to work for a lot of runners.

What I'd really focus on is making sure you're properly hydrated the night before, and get more water in before you head out to run.