Side Stitches while running

dollhouse

I am not a runner, but Everytime I attempt to run 3 mins in the side stitches prevent me from going any further. What is going on? I think I am not doing something right. Any advice?

 

Thanks!

dmarie979

I have heard that this happens when your breathing becomes disregulated. Don't know if this 100% true.

Try slowing down and see if that helps.

ETA: Sorry, my post wasn't very clear. Try slowing your pace down for your entire run to see if this helps. i.e. if you normally run a 10mm, try running a 1030mm.

shauni27

I don't get side stitches too often but when I do I will slow down to a walk and stretch a bit until they go away.  That usually does it for me!

MaineWifey

I once heard something about clamping your hand on the side that has the stitch and then breathing out hard when your opposite foot hits the ground for a couple of paces.  I do it, and it seems to work.

I have no idea if it works for any reason other than the fact that it resets my breathing, or maybe it just that I'm concentrating on trying to hold my side and breathe with out tripping over myself I forget about the pain. 

kristinanddan

I've heard that you should alter your breathing pattern to make them go away, and the few times that I do get them, that works for me.

HouseSpouse

Drink more water starting two hours before running.

ChiTownBelle

I hate these.  I've read, and what works for me, is to alter my breathing pattern by breathing in when the opposite foot from the side of the pain hits the ground, and also breathe out on that opposite foot.  Nice deep breaths work and they usually go away after a while.  I don't know if this actually works, the whole opposite foot thing, or if it just a good mental way to regulate your breathing pattern.

meltoine

Lots of water and more potassium. I make sure to eat a banana and drink tons of water before about 2 hours before I set out.