My experience with creatine is indeed, it does make you "bloated." That's what the whole "cell volumization" thing is. You're supersaturating the muscle with creatine, which brings along with it water retention.
Maybe it doesn't have this effect on some, but I SEE the difference in a couple weeks when I take it. Bigger but softer.
And to reiterate, no distance runners would use creatine, b/c it adds empty weight which requires more energy to move, and b/c it can cause cramping.
I am cutting right now, and using tons of protein and five proven supps:
1. CLA--only 3gms. day right now--studies show you can take up to 20gms.day
2. Guggolsterones
3. Corsoklin Fok (not sure spelling--Syntrax XXX)
4. ECA stack once a day, as a metabolic enhancer--not before training.
5. Yohimbe
Also, how do you do your cardio? You'll get faster results with interval training and have less of a cortisone problem. Interval training is how all runners get faster.
Also, some people find St. John's Wort helps combat the blues of calorie restriction/diet change.
If you play your cards right, you can cut without losing lean muscle mass--lots of sleep, eat clean, lots of protein and aminos, and choice supps.