What causes the cramps in the lower ab when jogging?

It seems that when I'm less than a couple of minutes into jogging, I get sharp pains in the left side of my lower ab.  It's always the same spot.  Anyone know what causes them?  It goes away when I down grade to a walk but returns if I start jogging again.  Mind you, it's not a fast pace jog either.  

Thanks!

I've always heard its a build up in lactic acid but I don't know how true that is.

But then again I just found this- http://www.bodyresults.com/e2sidestitches.asp

which says:

On inhalation, we take air into the lungs, pressing the diaphragm downward. When we exhale, the diaphragm moves up. If the body has some trapped air/gas below the diaphragm, if we've eaten too close to exercise, or if we start exercising too vigorously, the diaphragm may cramp, causing pain under the rib cage on the right side.

They also say to take deep breaths to get rid of the "stitch". I find this to be effective, as well as just "working through" the pain. Stopping seems to make it worse for some reason.

The one thing that I've found that helps (for me) is to run on a pretty empty stomach (2+ hours after eating at least) and not to drink much water before (and none during). This means I can only run about 30 minutes, but at least I can run. Otherwise ... if there's anything in my stomach, I get such bad stitches that I can barely walk.

I'd love to hear if anyone has any better suggestions.

I also get this and tended to just run through it for the most part. Stepping aside and stretching out for a few minutes with a few deep breaths seemed to help. I also don't drink water while running as it causes it for me also elen. I usually eat a small snack before running though (granola bar or a small bowl of cereal) and this has seemed to help also.

I think this is a "stitch." One of my old PE teachers always told us to inhale deeply through your nose and exhale out your mouth to prevent this. Focus on your breathing while you are running - if you take lots of short, quick breaths, your body gets tired faster. Plus, if you are focused on long, deep breaths, it will take your mind off running so you won't be thinking about how far you go.

If you have to slow to a walk, I've heard that walking with your arms above your head (as silly as it looks) stretches it out after a couple of minutes.

Great topic! I get side stiches often...I guess I really am still a novice at this running thing. I don't do it often either, but I enjoy it. I'll have to focus on my breathing more and really get into core strenghtening.

What everyone is talking about seems to be the typical stich you get from lack of oxygen.  To me, I would associate that in the rib/side of the chest.

What the OP is talking about is a cramp in the lower abdominal area.

I have gotten these from time to time, and I'm wondering if it has to do with posture during the walk/run.  I walked a 3.5mile route last night, and I got it about 2 miles in and it went away after about a block. 

I got servere cramps in my lower abs during a 5K once. Before the race I had maybe a hand full of popcorn and BOOM! Halfway in, my stomach felt like a brick. It was awful. Walker were moving faster than me.

Maybe you ate too close to the run?

My pain is not under the rib cage, I think I know what you're talking about though as I get those once in awhile.  My pain is just below my left hip bone but a tiny bit closer to the right (like an inch or two from the hip bone).  It's like a sharp pain that comes and goes as I continue to jog but it does not go away until I start walking or stop altogether.

I tend to have a bowl of oatmeal with a couple of ounces of strawberries about 2.5 hours before the treadmill.  I do drink a lot of water right as I get up in the morning.  I drink 1.5L, maybe that is the issue?  But the water goes down before the breakfast.

Gosh, there are a lot of you experiencing cramps during runs.

I always get those when I run around TTOM - and always on the left side. I have no idea what it is, but it's never that debilitating. Or maybe I'm just used to it. If anyone knows, tell us, 'cause I would also like to know.

is it a bit like a gassy cramp? or more of a muscle cramp? There's this thing I've heard called "runner's runs" (lol), which is basically just a serious need to use the bathroom every time you go for a run. I used to get that a bit when I was more of a beginner (tmi probably) and it was very uncomfortable. I heard it has to do with lack of hydration, so I make sure to drink enough before the run (as I don't drink while running either, its too much stuff to carry).

Other than that though, I can't think of anything to help you. Maybe ask your doctor?