Stuck on week8run1 with tummy cramps

[AnnaOnAMission]

After making great progress and completing each run first time up to the end of week 7, I’ve got stuck on week 8’s 28-min run.

On my first attempt I was running in unfamiliar territory in Victoria Park, London whilst on an overnight visit. I needed a loo break shortly after starting and couldn’t locate toilets so ended up walking a big chunk until I found it as the tummy cramps were too severe to continue running so I walked around 10 mins until I could find one.

On returning to Mallorca where I live I had another bash at the same run yesterday but had to stop again due to tummy cramps. Didn’t need the loo but just extremely uncomfortable. I kept going for as long as I could but had to resort to walking from 14 mins until 23 mins and ran the last five mins. The temperature is in the high 20s now which makes it really tough going with no walking breaks to recover.

I’m now daunted at the prospect of a third attempt having not completed twice and the temperature is gradually ticking higher making it increasingly more challenging.

Can anyone offer any tips or inspiration to get this w8r1 in the bag? I really don’t want another unsuccessful attempt as I feel I’m losing the brilliant momentum I’ve built up over the last couple of months since starting from scratch.

Thanks in advance

[Equi-geek Graduate]

I’m not yet on week 8 yet - just finished week 6. But I have had a couple of runs where lower stomach cramps hit me towards the end. One time I’d eaten meat the night before - unusual for me. The other time

I had eaten pasta with a pesto at lunchtime. Both runs were in the evening. I’ve avoided those foods since and been fine. Ibuprofen helps me with menstrual cramps. Also worth making sure of hydration. Hope you find the answer soon.

[AnnaOnAMission in reply to Equi-geek]

Thanks for your reply and sorry to hear you’ve been battling cramps too. I think I need to revert to running in the morning before eating anything more than a banana. It’ll be cooler too. I think that’ll make a big difference. Fingers crossed 🤞

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to AnnaOnAMission]

Empty stomach definitely helps me, I think. 🤞 for your next run, but be gentle with yourself 🙂