W4R1 Stomach Cramps after running (not stitch)

[Karen59er]

I'm doing ok on the runs, but now developing a lot of tension around my diaphragm on run days after the run (not during) which is causing digestive issues - anyone else experiencing this? It could be an anxiety about whether I can do it (I'm quite hard on myself) or unrelated to running but it does seem to come on after a run and can be quite painful.

[Imoca]

Sorry can't help you but I hate it when no-one replies 🥺 maybe time to call the doc if it's causing digestive issues as opposed to just muscular pain

[Karen59er Graduate in reply to Imoca]

Thank you Imoca for taking the time to reply - I really appreciate it, and what a great caring forum this is! I think I unconsciously tense my stomach a lot when I'm running (it is a bad habit resulting from being a Pilates teacher and overly engaging the core muscles). I listened to the advice on stitch about relaxing the stomach a bit to help with the breathing if you get stitch and that seems to have helped - I'll give it a few more goes with that technique. Also I think there's a lot anxiety associated with running around whether I can do it or not too,so that doesn't help. Basically my body doesn't know what has hit it at 59 (I'm not a runner)!!! 😳

[Imoca in reply to Karen59er]

Sounds right with the anxiety thing. I read that you breathe into your stomach and let your stomach swell. I tried. I failed and I have got pretty awful core muscle so it's got to be harder on yours. Now I just breath. Don't even think about it.

[Karen59er Graduate in reply to Imoca]

Great advice and reassuring - thank you!

[nowster Graduate]

I've had it. In my case it was under-hydration.

Since I've been drinking more (minimum 2.5 litres per day) and adding extra fibre (eg. snacking on Ryvita) it's not come back.

[Karen59er Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thanks nowster - great idea and I will try that - sounds like a lot of liquid (I'll be up all night!) - I'm reaching for the shreddies 😂😂

[nowster Graduate in reply to Karen59er]

You have to spread it throughout the day. I drank many mugs of coffee and tea today. I'm already over 2L.

It does also help that my mug is 400mL (from Lidl).

At first I was getting up in the middle of the night regularly, but over the last few months my body's adjusted to the extra fluid intake.

It's recommended you drink plenty when running, to avoid heavy legs.