I get lower pelvic cramps after some of my runs. This has occured for years, and is infrequent but I get nervous about when it might happen again. On a few occasions the cramping starts during my run, but typically starts immediately after I stop. Although I have trained for and run marathons, I never had problems during a marathon or long run. The cramping has happened only during short early morning runs (less than 3 miles). I'll have no problems while running, and then the cramping come on quickly and unexpectedly. They feel like menstrual cramps, only much worse. They last anywhere from 15-30 minutes and get increasingly more painful, and then slowly go away. I think I have a high tolerance for pain ... but they take my breath away, I cannot stand and the pain becomes unbearable (to the point where I decide during the cramping that I never want to run again!). It is not intestinal, nor do I have nausea. The pain can be focused on either side of my lower pelvic area. Once they stop, I feel 100% better, and can continue running or even eat breakfast. This never happens during any other form of exercise.

I've talked to both a general physician and my ob/gyn about this. I had an ultrasound and exams that showed nothing significant.