Running is a high-impact sport, which means that not only are our muscles and joints absorbing the load, but our organs are also being bounced around. Makes sense that this constant motion could lead to digestive issues for many runners.
Often we talk about this in relation to runners’ trots or less pleasantly named runners’ diarrhea.
But the truth is you don’t have to have a full-blown bathroom situation to have some pretty uncomfortable feelings.
There are a number of potential causes and solutions to stomach pains while running that apply whether you’re a new or experienced runner. It can happen to us all, so let’s try to prevent them or at least manage the symptoms from a pain below your rib cage to right in the gut.
What is Runner’s Stomach?
When gastrointestinal (GI) distress occurs during a run or other periods of exercise, it is referred to as “runner’s stomach.” This condition causes cramping, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and pain, in addition to other GI distress symptoms. Other names for these symptoms include runner’s trots, runner’s belly, or runner’s diarrhea.
The name ‘runner’s stomach’ probably came from the sheer number of long-distance runners who experience digestive-related symptoms. In fact, it is estimated to…
