Trying to be a runner here...

So as of lately I have been trying to build up to running. The problem I have is that if I run for more than 2 minutes at a time, I cramp up so bad it's almost crippling. I call it my belt of pain because it starts on my right side then will quickly moves across my entire abdomen. It's not your typical runners cramp either. I attribute it to my "digestive issues" because I'm almost positive they are gas cramps. I try so hard to push thru, but I get to the point where I'm actually doubled over, so then I switch to walking it off until I feel like I can run at least another minute (at least). Has anyone ever had to deal with this? It actually angers me because I know I could go longer if it weren't for these friggin' cramps. How am I supposed to get better if this keeps happening?

How much water are you drinking each day?  Sometimes drinking more can help with it.  Also, I think potassium can help with muscle cramps (i.e. bananas!).

Are you eating before you run?  If so how long do you wait and what are you typically eating?

Great job at starting something new! Running will eventually become fun and you'll enjoy it, as soon as you can conquer your cramps. If you can't figure it out on your own, I would suggest a doctors appointment to make sure there is nothing that could be wrong with your digestive system or intestinal tracts. Here's a few suggestions:

1: Don't drink too much water immediately before running. It will slosh around in your belly and make it hurt. Stay hydrated throughout the day instead. Only drink enough while walking/running to get your mouth wet. Drinking too much while running will result in the same cramps.

2: Don't eat too much immediately before running. I give myself about 45 minutes before going to it. I aim for high carb stuff so I have the energy to make it through. I can always tell when I didn't eat enough because I nearly pass out.

3: Start out with a warm up walk and then progress to the running. If you have to go back and forth, then it's okay. I walk the first 2 or 3 minutes then jog then run. At the half way mark, I walk again to catch my breath, then start running again. Don't go too fast either. I started my light jogging at only 4.5 MPH. Faster than walking but not quite a run. I'm now at 6 MPH and sometimes want to speed it up but know that I will pass out in the long run. Too motivated for my own strength!

4: Since you think it might be gas related, I would try out some anti-gas stuff that you can get at any drugstore. It can't hurt to try them!

Try to stop before you get the cramping, even if it means jogging 15 seconds, walking some, jogging 15, etc. Add a few seconds each week. You have nothing to lose by progressing slowly in the right direction!

You don't say what time of day you are working out, so maybe you can try going in the morning before eating/drinking anything. As your fitness improves, you can experiment with other times, etc. I know a lot of people here are big on eating before running, but I have always found that running on an empty stomach worked best for me--running up to 1 hour or so, that is. Again, the key is to be attentive to YOUR body and to experiment in small steps.

Good luck, and welcome to the world of running!

Thanks a lot for all the responses. Typically I work out after work because I my treadmill is at my mom's (no room in my tiny apartment:) I drink water throughout the day, rarely before I work out. I'm quite familiar with the sounds of sloshing, I tend to here that every Saturday morning after a giant cup of coffee. I don't really eat right before I work out either. I've never been a fan. I heard raisins were good before a workout, so about an hour before I leave work i usually eat a little box. I usually save my walking/running till after I've done 1 or 2 workout videos, weights/cardio mix. The cramping usually starts as soon as I hit the treadmill. Some days are better than others, but I can usually tell how it's gonna go. I've already done the doctor thing & definitely know I DO have digestive issues, but this is my way of fighting back I guess. I don't want to have to compromise. I had some cramping today but was able to run almost 3 minutes before I had to go back to walking. I find I can run longer at 6. I think I was just pushing it too hard too fast for my own good with the whole sprinting thing. I guess I'm too motivated for my own strength too. Thanks again to all of you. Pain or not, I feel like I'm going to get better. Eventually I hope to move this party outside!

I would look into food allergies as well.  perhaps it is what you are eating prior to a run that is causing all the gas and pain.

Are you stretching before you run? You might need to start stretching your abs muscles out before you run in addition to your legs.  Running not only works your legs, but your abs as well.