I make it a rule not to swim within 2 hours of having a meal so that I don't have to worry about stomach cramps.
But yesterday, I went swimming five hours after having a meal and still had stomach pain after doing twenty laps.
Are there known causes for stomach cramp(pain) even when the stomach is empty?
Former Member
I get the cramp in the side of my abdomen from time to time. I don't know what causes it for sure but taking a breather for a minute or two seems to make it go away.
Former Member
I get the cramp in the side of my abdomen from time to time. I don't know what causes it for sure but taking a breather for a minute or two seems to make it go away.
In running terms is called a stitch. I've was told by my coach it was a diaphram spasm. He said it was caused by adding too much too fast. Like any other muscle your diaphram has to be trained to handle its job.
The fast cure was three forward rolls (not much help in swimming) or slow down and let it work itself out.
Whether it is actually the diaphram or the intercostal muscles (between the ribs) or combination, its a warning that you are breathing harder than you have before.
Yeah, I'm not really sure what a stomach cramp is. Is it indigestion? I get that once in a while from eating something right before working out, but I've never had anything I'd describe as an actual stomach cramp. If it's more of a "stitch in your side" I would think that has nothing to do with your digestive system.
Former Member
Was it stomach or side cramps?
Side cramps can are just cramps, like over worked muscles.
Sometimes I get them, I just slow down a bit, they go away and then I'm fine.
Former Member
I eat before my races (even my mile+ OW races), but have never had a cramp. I've been told its more what you eat not when.
I go with a PB&J without issues. I would recommend staying away from acid and gas causing foods: citrus, apples, pears, beans, spices, etc...
Hope this helps some.
Former Member
For me it depends on what and how much I eat. Something like Chinese food or Tacos, and I need 2 hours, and even then I can get a bloaty feeling and may have to stop to burp. Other times I can get by after waiting 45 mintues. I now eat less and then go swim and eat the other half of a meal after wards. :D
Last night I chugged a Boost at 5:15 and hit the pool at 7:30...I felt great. Problem is you then eat at 9:30...but you get a satisfying post workout meal, and don't raid the sugar locker.
