Jun 7, 2000

This was my first year of running track, and I often cramps in my abdomen during 1600-meter races. What causes this, and what can I do about it? (name withheld)

REPLY: Those cramps could have many different causes. My guess is that you're having what runners call "stitches."

The most common cause is eating too much, too close to a workout or race. You might try adjusting your eating, or lying down just before/after you run hard, relax the muscles and massage the sore area. The cramping could also be a breathing problem in a fairly new activity of yours, and it will disappear as you race more.

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