chest pain while running?

SimpleJane

I have recently been trying to get back into better shape and have been run/walk/jogging a two miles a few times per week trying to build up to a steady routine. I absolutely love running, but my body is not used to it yet and I usually have to walk a bit, then run a bit, then walk a bit.

The past few times I've run has been in the morning before I've eaten and I've only had water and coffee. Once I start running at a good pace I've been getting a sharp pain in my chest that makes me back off and slow down. It feels like stomach acid upset. And usually after my run I do have a little heartburn.

Do you eat before you run? Would that help? I feel like if I eat beforehand that might make it worse. Or maybe I should eat just a small amount to settle my stomach and absorb some of the coffee before I go? Thoughts?

Sorry this is long, and I apologize for any typos, I'm on mobile.

jessicaeddleston

That's great that your easing yourself back into it!

I've been running my whole pregnancy, I'm 31 weeks now. I try doing 1520 miles a week, my pace has surprisingly stayed the same! If I run in the morning, I usually just have a banana and some dry cereal.

It sounds like the coffee may be throwing you off try saving that until after your run, and substitute it with a light morning snack.

Good luck and keep it up active mama!!

litzo27

Hi,

I'm not a pro - have only been running for about a year now and do only 3-5 mile runs at a time about three times a week. Even with a three mile run I take 1-2 walking breaks of a minute each. I found that this is just what works for me.

I run first thing in the morning and do not eat or drink before my run except eating a date before the longer 5 mile run for energy. I found that if I drink right before the water just swooshes in my stomach and makes me nauseated. So I try to drink a lot the night before and even during the night instead. I definitely couldn't have coffee right before although I know some experienced runners who do.

The advice I got on the running forum is to experiment to find what works for you because no two runners have the same regiment. Some need to eat or drink something half an hour before, others can't eat or drink anything for two hours before, etc. So I would try different variations.

natalie202

My first guess would be that the coffee is to blame. I'd try either skipping the coffee or eating something small to mitigate it.

nyrunningqueen

Congrats on getting back into running. I've been running for over 2 years now (currently training for a marathon) and before every run I have a good breakfast (sometimes oatmeal, a banana, or eggs). I make sure I have at least an hour between when I'm done eating and when I run. I have coffee with my meal too, but it sounds like the coffee could be the issue for you. I have noticed that if I don't eat a good meal before I run, then my running suffers significantly. Good luck!

bethughknee

Great job getting back into it!

Even before I got pregnant, I could NOT run on an empty stomach. I would get similar pain and then also feel very lightheaded. I've found that 1/2 a PBJ sandwich is good enough and also easy on the stomach. Or CLIF or Luna bars. On race day, I eat as soon as my alarm goes off so it has some time to digest while I get ready. (I don't workout in the morning. I prefer to do evening runs so I'm working with 2 meals in my belly. We'll see if this lasts once there's a baby to care for after work!)