Expert: Ken Alan - 7/5/2006

Question
Hi
lately when i'm running on the treadmill or just doing extreme sports i get a pain on the lower right side of my stomach. it goes away if i just slow down the pase. and starts again if i go faster. i have the same problem if i exercise first thing in the morning.
why is that?.. i don't used to have this problem beofre, it is slowing down my training program. and i cannot achieve my cardio goal.
thanks so much!

Answer
Hi,

Sorry to hear about this new problem. It's a bummer when it puts a crimp on your training program.  Couldn't tell you what it is, other than a cramp that is triggered from a certain level of exertion obviously.  

Try a longer, slower progression working up to your normal level.  In other words, if you start running right away on the treadmill, don't.  Start walking, after two minutes, speed up to fast walk.  After 3 minutes, slow jog, etc., etc.

That might help a lot.  The moment you start feeling the cramp come on, slow down until it disipates, then work at a level below where it started to come on.  That's where you need to stay for now.  

If this continues on and on, gotta see a doctor and have it checked out.  

But make sure every workout/sports game you start off slow/easy.  The worst thing to do is to jump into something gung-ho with all your effort.

You won't like having to work at a lower intensity than what you've been doing, but for some reason or another, you're body is telling you you have to, otherwise it's gonna cause this big ole ache in your side.  Gotta listen to your body.

Sounds like you should have it checked out medically.

Any change in diet, or how much water you're consuming or sweating?
Hope this helps.