Stomach cramps running off the bike

[by691]

Hi Friends,

In some of my past races i have been experiencing stomach cramps in the stomach when running off the bike. Does anybody have any ideas how to stop this or what the problem is? I have changed my bike position a number of times and it doesn't help! Its definately not the normal stitch. I think it may be the soas muscle. I also get tight in the lower back on one side, normally the same side that I cramp in the stomach. This could maybe also related.

[lilscotboy]

not sure if this is related, but I have stomach cramps too, the common concensus on this board was that it might be the nutrition is was taking during the race....i stopped using GU and Clif products (that have tons of fructose in them) and changed to hammer products, which for me are a lot gentler on the stomach...so far in training and one race they've really helped

just my $0.02 tho

good luck

[bdc1234]

Have you been fitted properly to your bike? this could help or like the other reply said it could be nutrition but if its muscular type pain then I would guess you bike ergo isn't correct. Try this link to get an idea if your set-up properly. [URL="http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/karma.shtml"]
Good Luck

[rplong]

I didn't really read anyone else's post or this article, but the subjects matched?

http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/ask-a-tri-coach/dealing-with-cramps-on-the-run-001561.php

Good Luck. I only get cramps when I am out of shape or eaten alot of sugar before hand.

[cslone]

How long is the race?

[shanno]

From what you are describing, it sounds just like the mysterious stomach cramps that didn't quite feel like cramps that i started experiencing a few months ago. they started showing up when my running training got to a certain intensity then when i began biking I couldn't get rid of them - i tried changing my food habits, stretching etc. finally i found a massage therapist who correctly diagnosed that I have tight iliopsoas muscles that go into spasm (this is the cramp I feel) after long rides/runs. I have learned how to stretch them quite effectively and a good massage therapist can release the spasms for you if this is what your issue is. for most people soas problems seem to present as lower back pain, but some people have these tight feeling at the top of the muscle where it attaches to the back.
check out the following web site great forum and advice from a massage therapist - i found it really helpful in dealing with this (stretching and self massage suggestions) and their book The Pain Free Triathlete is a lifesaver:
www.julstro.com
hope this helps,
shanno