Today I ran a little over 12 miles. Like the half marathon I ran about a month ago and the 10 miler I did the next weekend, I got a bad stomach cramp. This is the kind of cramp that makes you run bent over so you minimize the pain (think grandma), which of course ends up causing back pain and stiffness. I try to avoid walking, but sometimes, I just can’t help it.
I believe I get these cramps for 3 reasons
- Bad dieting (read stomach problems)
- Dehydration
- Pushing too hard
I think each one of these runs was the result of one of the problems above. In my half marathon, I went to the bathroom four, yes FOUR, times before the race. Pre-race jitters, plus I want to make sure I don’t have to go on the run. I’m sure for all those runners reading this out there, you’ve encountered the stomach bubbles/pounding that resulted in a sprint into the bushes or to the nearest gas station.
Having gone to the bathroom four times, I didn’t rehydrate myself enough to make up for it. Surprisingly, #2 bathroom trips do dehydrate you. Without the water, I started cramping around mile 5 and just ran through the pain till the end of the race. If only I had a few more cups of water…
The week after, I was feeling pretty good having taken the entire week off and coming off breaking 100 minutes in the half, so I pushed myself too hard. I was doing 7:20 miles for 10 miles, and around mile 8, the pain was unbearable. As I slowed it down, the pain eventually subsided.
Today was diet. Last night we had our final MBA banquet to celebrate our accomplishments, and I had some pretty greasy food, cheescake, and a bunch of different alcoholic drinks (whiskey, beer, wine – in that order – not good). Despite drinking water all morning, my body was not meant to run. Around mile 7, the cramp began.
When I get cramps, I’ve tried a few things. First, I slow my pace down about 10%. That usually keeps the pain constant. At that point, i pound water, if possible. Sometimes that makes the pain worse, but sometimes it makes it better within minutes. I’ve found the best remedy though is to pound water and walk for 30 seconds to a minute. This gives you enough time to walk off the pain without killing your time. The water usually helps the cramp (or stomach issue).
If you of course have the stomach issues resulting from bad diet, sometimes the bushes are the best solution. Fortunately, I’ve always been near a gas station when this has happened.
Tomorrow I’m hoping to do a 50-60 mile ride to Long Beach. This has been a step back week where I’ve cut my mileage to about 25 miles running. Next week, Ill ramp it back up.
