Stomach cramping during races?

Training Advice/Discussion

3 years ago 10/24/2020 1:26pm EDT

I consistently have a problem with my stomach cramping during races. It happens even if I'm not on my period. I don't eat anything for 6 hours before races (and even then I only eat the same kind of thing I always eat before practices/races so it's not like it's an unfamiliar food) and I only drink water. So I'm not exactly sure what causes it.

How do I stop this from happening? Also what should I do if it starts happening in the middle of a race? I feel like I could get better times if I had a better way of managing this.

Thanks!

3 years ago 10/24/2020 1:47pm EDT

re: ow

6 hours is a long time before a race. I personally eat 2.5 hours before warming up. Might also have something to do with dairy allergy? I have that and i read it can give you problems up to 72 hours after eating dairy

3 years ago 10/24/2020 2:06pm EDT

re: ow

I agree with the above poster: 6hrs is very long for not eating then racing on an empty stomach. Every body is different but having food 1-3 before a race is ideal. Dairy could also be a factor, avoid dairy specially icecream. Another thing that might cause cramps is having weak abdomen muscles. Gotta make sure you do your abs and core workouts.

3 years ago 10/24/2020 2:21pm EDT

re: tim.123456

I am allergic to dairy, but I never eat it for that reason. I figured 6 hours was kind of a lot but I was worried about needing to go to the bathroom if I ate any closer to the race. Is 3-4 hours before the race better?

3 years ago 10/24/2020 2:22pm EDT

re: Iamjustsaying

Yeah it seems like timing might be the problem so I'll try eating closer to the race. I've been doing core workouts but I guess doing extra can't make it worse. Thanks!

3 years ago 10/24/2020 2:55pm EDT

re: ow

Maybe you should eat something.

Usually 2-3 hours before the start works really well for a lot of people.

3 years ago 10/24/2020 11:08pm EDT

re: ow

It's not the 6 hours before the race. It's the 24 hours before the race. You absolutely have to eat during this time, but keep it simple and light, mostly carbs. Look up low-residue diet.

3 years ago 10/25/2020 1:43am EDT

re: ow

Could be your breathing - depends where the cramps are but side stitch and feeling sick are common when you’re hyperventilating (or not breathing out enough as I realized).

I didn’t eat before meets in the morning and I would still cramp because my breathing was bad.

3 years ago 10/25/2020 5:28pm EDT

re: my 2c

I never considered that but it sounds like it might be my problem. Thank you!

3 years ago 10/25/2020 5:30pm EDT

re: crampus

I don't really think it's my breathing, I don't really have problems with hyperventilating in races anymore and it's more of a "need a bathroom" cramp than a "side stitch" cramp. If it happens again I'll definitely pay attention to breathing though, thanks!

3 years ago 10/25/2020 6:19pm EDT

re: ow

I might add that your cramps could be a result of poor warm-up or dehydration? How long before you race do you warm-up and how long are your warm-ups? How is hydration game on daily basis?

3 years ago 10/25/2020 8:27pm EDT

re: Iamjustsaying

The warm-up is 30 minutes before the race and takes ~20 minutes, then I walk to the line and do 3 ~70m run outs (which aren't allowed after it's 2 minutes until the race starts). Without going into TMI, I am definitely not dehydrated. I drink 96+ fl oz water a day.

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Stomach cramping during races?

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