Now that its getting colder I've been breaking out the running tights. However, I have noticed that they seem to cause me to get an upset stomach (i.e. having bad cramps and having to make urgent pit stops) during many runs. I think this may be due to the way that the waist compresses tightly against my abdomen. Does anyone else have this problem? Solutions?
I am the opposite I feel the compression from my tights helps prevent getting stitches or cramps. It might just be the colder weather and your abdomen/diaphragm is tight and need to be warmed up properly.
I also seem to notice this. I definitely have to hit the bathroom during runs more often in the winter than the rest of the year. Most runs (<15 miles) it's not a big issue and I can hold it, but on long runs I almost always have to stop. Imodium seems to help.
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I want to say it's a combination of 3 things:
#1. It's cold out. When you are running your body is concerned about keeping your muscle warm that you are currently using the most (i.e. legs, arms, hips, etc).
#2. When you exercise past a very EASY effort, you are activating your sympathetic system. The relationship is somewhat direct... so the harder the effort the more your HR will rise, pupils dilate, blood is sent to the brain and heart instead of to the surface of your skin (which means you are not regulating your body temperature as well), and also your digestion is temporarily decreased. The involuntary contractions your body uses to push waste through your intestines is decreased.
#3. In the winter you are cold a good majority of the time so you tend not to drink nearly as much water. Hydration is a major issue.