I run a couple times a week for my cardio in addition to cathe's videos, and I sometimes get a side stitch in my right side. Sometimes the cramp is not too bad and I can keep going, but once or twice I have had to stop running and walk for a few minutes. I work out first thing in the morning, so I know it's not anything I ate, and I was curious if anyone has an explanation or some tips on what to do when this happens. Fortunately it happens rarely but it sure sucks when it does happen! I have found that breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth helps to make the cramp go away. Any advice from the educated crowd is welcome and appreciated! Thanks!
side stitches
- Thread starter saralh
- Start date
Hi, Sarah.
Running is my "first love", but I have not been able to do it as much because of my plantar fasciitis...
Anyway, I have several books on running, and I've read that stitches are best driven away by raising your arm in the air (I think on the side of the stitch). I know, it will look ridiculous -- but, I tried it, and it is pretty effective. If I don't feel like doing the arm thing, I'll just slow way down -- go at an easy pace, and let them fade. When they're just about gone, I'll pick up a little speed. They usually stay away, but very occassionally, they'll just plague me the whole run. I hope I have been of some help!!
Running is my "first love", but I have not been able to do it as much because of my plantar fasciitis...
Anyway, I have several books on running, and I've read that stitches are best driven away by raising your arm in the air (I think on the side of the stitch). I know, it will look ridiculous -- but, I tried it, and it is pretty effective. If I don't feel like doing the arm thing, I'll just slow way down -- go at an easy pace, and let them fade. When they're just about gone, I'll pick up a little speed. They usually stay away, but very occassionally, they'll just plague me the whole run. I hope I have been of some help!! Side Stitches - I hate 'em!
Aren't side stitches the worst!!?? Try this: the next time you start running make sure you warm up THOROUGHLY - that may help prevent you from getting the side stitch. However, if you do get one, slow down and concentrate on your breathing for a few minutes. Inhale and then when you exhale blow HARD through your mouth; kind of like you're blowing out a big candle. Do this for little bit (not sure how much time it'll take) and the side stitch should go away.
Usually between doing both of these things I can avoid (or cure!) those nasty side stitches. Good Luck!
Bev K.
Aren't side stitches the worst!!?? Try this: the next time you start running make sure you warm up THOROUGHLY - that may help prevent you from getting the side stitch. However, if you do get one, slow down and concentrate on your breathing for a few minutes. Inhale and then when you exhale blow HARD through your mouth; kind of like you're blowing out a big candle. Do this for little bit (not sure how much time it'll take) and the side stitch should go away.
Usually between doing both of these things I can avoid (or cure!) those nasty side stitches. Good Luck!
Bev K.
RE: Side Stitches - I hate 'em!
Thank you for the advice! I will keep your tips in mind on my next run. Sometimes when I start out running all I can think about is "I hope I don't get a side cramp!" and I think maybe my mind causes me to get one. Again, it rarely happens, but now I have some tips on how to make it go away, so thanks again! I love to run and it really sucks when you can't because of a pesky side pain.
Thank you for the advice! I will keep your tips in mind on my next run. Sometimes when I start out running all I can think about is "I hope I don't get a side cramp!" and I think maybe my mind causes me to get one. Again, it rarely happens, but now I have some tips on how to make it go away, so thanks again! I love to run and it really sucks when you can't because of a pesky side pain.
RE: Side Stitches - I hate 'em!
Hi sarah! Running's my first love too, and the only time I ever get stitches is when I breathe irregularly, mostly during speedwork. But in the last year or so I've learned to correct this, and no side stitches anymore. You got some great advice from the other posts.
Good luck!
marnie
Hi sarah! Running's my first love too, and the only time I ever get stitches is when I breathe irregularly, mostly during speedwork. But in the last year or so I've learned to correct this, and no side stitches anymore. You got some great advice from the other posts.
Good luck!
marnie