Stomach Pain when running...is this normal?

I've been running off & on for at least 7 months now, and lately, (the last 1-2 weeks) I've occasionally been getting stomach pain part way through my run (usually after running about 3/4 of a mile.)  I usually take my supplements and some water in the morning & then do my pre-run stretch and off I go.  I don't eat before I run.  The pain is just below my sternum right in the center. 

I try to push through it because I know it's going to hurt whether I run or walk, but I end up walking because the pain get to be so intense.  It usually subsides within 5-10 minutes, but it's a new issue.  I'm trying to train for a 5k and it throws off my runs. 

I haven't talked with my Dr yet, but I have my 1-year check up in less than 3 weeks, & I'll bring it up to him, too.

Any suggestions, ideas, comments? 

It's your diaphram, You're just getting side stictches. Very common and easy to sort out. They'll go away eventually. You're fine. Here is the info on them:

Most of us experience them at one time or another. That sharp twinge of pain just below the rib cage usually on the right. It is particularly common in runners and has been known to slow some down to a wal****il the pain subsides.

Up until recently there was no clear explanation for the cause of this annoying cramp, also called exercise related transient abdominal pain (ETAP). Now researchers believe that the side stitch is caused by stretching the ligaments that extend from the diaphragm to the internal organs, particularly the liver. The jarring motion of running while breathing in and out stretches these ligaments. Runners tend to exhale every two or four steps. Most people exhale as the left foot hits the ground, but some people exhale when the right foot hits the ground. It is the later group who seem more prone to get side stitches.

Exhaling when the right foot hits the ground causes greater forces on the liver (which is on the right side just below the rib cage). So just as the liver is dropping down the diaphragm raises for the exhalation. It is believed this repeated stretching leads to spasms in the diaphragm.

 

Stopping a Side Stitch
To stop a side stitch when running, stop running and place your hand into the right side of your belly and push up, lifting the liver slightly. Inhale and exhale evenly as you push up.

Preventing a Side Stitch
To prevent a side stitch, take even, deep breaths while running. Shallow breathing tends to increase the risk of cramping because the diaphragm is always slightly raised and never lowers far enough to allow the ligaments to relax. When this happens the diaphragm becomes stressed and a spasm or "stitch" is more likely.

Now if they don't go away quickly with the deep breaths then you should go get checked up.

Great info, I'd been told to exhale as I am landing on the foot that corresponds to the side of my cramp.  This is the opposite info and maybe the explaination for why my cramp keeps getting worse until I walk a bit.

Thanks!!

Thanks!  I appreciate the info.  Glad to know that there's an explanation and something that I can do to try to make it better. 

I WOULD NOT dismiss this as side stitches in my humble opinion... In the center just below your sternum is not a side stitch... I would be on the phone with my surgeon immediately, and take it easy... Fighting through muscle fatigue and energy deficit is one thing, but ignoring or pushing through internal pain is probably NOT a good thing. Now it could be simply "Runner's Trot", which man folks have to deal with....It feels like your innards are turning, then feels like you are gonna crap your pants, then you take care of "Business" and life is good. It could be something more serious. I try to always listen to my body and if something is concerning me, I immediately call my surgeon for guidance. You will probably get 100 opinions on this, this is just mine...

I'll talk to my Dr to make sure things are ok.

I talked with my surgeon at my one year last week and he wants to have me do a CT scan in case there is restricted blood flow due to a twist in my intestines.  If that isn't it, he'll have an endoscopy done to see if there is something else that's going on. 

Thanks for your suggestions!