Any *girl* runners get this?

[Anonymous]

Occasionally when I'm running I get cramps that feel like period cramps but 10X worse. I don't really get bad cramps when I'm on my period so this is like hell. Plus I'm not on my period while this happens. But it's really affecting my running right now! It used to happen occasionally but I got it yesterday and today while I was running. I only ran 1.5 miles both days, and then went off to field hockey practice. It takes 5-10 minutes after I run for them to go away and then I'm fine for the rest of practice! Could it be from dehydration? I can't think of anything else and it's driving me crazy!

[martyfellow]

Are you drinking too much soda or other things with high sugar content? Are you drinking enough water, and getting enough salt and electrolytes? Good old GAtoraid will probably help you...yes, the most common cause is some sort of dehydration, or lack of electrolytes from sweating and not replacing what's lost in the sweat.

[Asker]

I don't drink any soda, haven't had one in 8 months now. During practice I drink about a half gallon of gatorade. Yesterday I drank a ton throughout the day so I'll see if that helps any.

[martyfellow]

Well, too much of anything can be bad, so be reasonable with the GAtorade.

[aMuse]

Cramps during running usually happen due to shallow breathing. Sometimes it's a result of over-hydration as well. When your electrolytes are out of balance you can get exercise nausea and can even puke.

[Asker]

Over-hydration? As in drinking too much before the run? I try to only take a sip before my run and that's it

[aryaneedle]

I used to, and like you I don't get menstrual cramps at all. Going on what the first person said it might have been over hydration because I used to drink a lot right before my run. Now I try to remain hydrated throughout the day and not drink anything 1/2 hour to an hour before my run.

[Asker]

Yeah yesterday I drank a lot throughout the day. I hope it makes a difference because it's reaaaally affecting my runs!

[Elephants]

Yes drink water but also if you are exercising but eating unhealthy your body can hurt from the activity.

[Asker]

I try to eat pretty healthy right now. I mean I'm not the *best* healthy eater, but I do eat yogurt, fruit, and veggies every day

[Anonymous]

i've heard that it's quite common to have that

[Asker]

Yeah I googled it, and a lot of people get it. I've just never heard of anyone that I know getting it...