Pain in side when walking fast/running

phoenixx866

So this is probably something fairly easy to fix... or common, I hope.

But whenever I even do a slight jog or I walk fast, I get this bad pain in my right side, under/in my rib cage. Breathing makes it hurt more. Stopping what I'm doing makes the pain go away but as soon as I start again, it begins to hurt.

What is this pain and how can I stop it from happening? I'd like to at least do a mild jog if I can.

Thanks

dhbisland

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/four-ways-stop-dreaded-side-stitch

phoenixx866

Thanks! I didn't even know what it was called.

CindyMarcuzAdams

Bend over and touch your toes and it should go away.

fleetzz

I haven't had one in ages-they typically plague me when I am running uncomfortably fast, long, or if I ate or drank too much before I run.

I had them a lot when I first started running.

Perhaps they resolve as one's conditioning improves?

How long have you been running and are you in good shape or is this new for you?

phoenixx866

This is completely new for me. I usually walk 1-2 miles per day and just recently I started jogging about 10 minutes in, then I get hit with this unbearable OUCH on my side and I have to stop.

Emeryeon

i thought it was water bubbles after you drink a lot of water

kellygirl5538

I use to be well over 200 pounds..keep walking until you are under 200 then start running.

gary241069

Bend over and touch your toes and it should go away.

Bend over and touch your toes while you are running?
That's an accident waiting to happen!

gary241069

I used to get stitches while i was running.
I found out that it was because I was slouching while I was running.
Changing my body position (Head high, shoulders back, breathe right) was enough to do the trick.

meshashesha2012

try to keep a steady rhythym of breathing and that should help avoid them. also making sure to breathe into your disphragm and not shallow breaths into the chest

fattymcrunnerpants

I get them bad too, but only when I've had anything to eat or drink 3 hours prior. Half the time I just keep going and it goes away.

grubb1019

I use to be well over 200 pounds..keep walking until you are under 200 then start running.

Sorry, I disagree with this. You don't have to be under 200lbs to run, I was 207 when I started running. I know several people that were over 200 when they started.

fattymcrunnerpants

I use to be well over 200 pounds..keep walking until you are under 200 then start running.

Sorry, I disagree with this. You don't have to be under 200lbs to run, I was 207 when I started running. I know several people that were over 200 when they started.

Agreed. I am over 200 and run regularly.

OP, are you using a training schedule or are you winging it? If you're winging it you may want to do a set regimen like couch to 5k or one of Hal Higdon's

phoenixx866

I tend to wing whenever I run. :embarassed: That's more than likely my problem, combined with everything everyone has said. I have dinner/lunch then 20 minutes later decide to go for a run. I think I'll start pre-planning when to run. No wonder there's so many 6am morning runners in my neighborhood. Thank you everyone!!

lmaking

Funny, it wasn't until I read your post did I remember I used to get stitches when I started running.

Like someone else mentioned, watch your posture, I think that has a lot to do with it. And, if you do get one slow down and do some side stretches, that helped me.

To the person who thinks you have to be under 200 lbs to run, I couldn't disagree more. It's about paying attention to how your body is reacting to this new activity, not how much you weigh. Yesterday, I did 5 km in 29.32 minutes and I'm just over 200 lbs. When I started running I weighed a lot more. But because I stretch regularly, do cross training, and wear proper running shoes (they aren't pretty but they have a good sized toe box) I have no knee pains, and no joint pains.

rbiss

Try and focus your breathing. You want to breathe in a rhythm and take deep "stomach" breaths. Focus on your stomach when your breathing.

kdhamner

I use to be well over 200 pounds..keep walking until you are under 200 then start running.

Sorry, I disagree with this. You don't have to be under 200lbs to run, I was 207 when I started running. I know several people that were over 200 when they started.

I also disagree - I started running around 230 lbs and down to 217 lbs now. I may not look pretty - it may not be fast, but I won't hold back just because I'm not at some magical number.

Snip8241

I am not sure but I remember hearing it has something to do with your diaphragm. A coach I had, had us raise our arm on that side and put our hand behind our shoulder. The stretch seemed to help.
This could be a bunch of hooey but it worked for me.

Chevy_Quest

I can get a side stitch if I run at 150-160 BPM Heart Rate for too long.. once I slow down to 130 to 140 BPM it goes away. I think it has to do with my conditioning.

shafa4321

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/four-ways-stop-dreaded-side-stitch

Thanks

misskris78

Try to change posture and pace so that you can breathe deeply. Take a long deep breath that moves the diaphragm a lot and breathe forcefully (pilates breathing sort of) through your nose.

Try to avoid sugary drinks before exercise. Rehydrate with plain water. Sports drinks generally aren't necessary unless you're exerting yourself for an hour or more.

TheDarkestStar87

I am not sure but I remember hearing it has something to do with your diaphragm. A coach I had, had us raise our arm on that side and put our hand behind our shoulder. The stretch seemed to help.
This could be a bunch of hooey but it worked for me.

That used to work for me as well (I don't get side stitches anymore).

As the others said, make sure you're running at a comfortable, even speed and run "tall" with your back straight and your head up rather than staring at your feet. Focus on your breathing too and find an even rhythm that works for you (for example, a friend of mine swears by breathing in time to "we will rock you" but that totally doesn't work for me :laugh: )

SunofaBeach14

In my experience it's simply a matter of conditioning. Keep training.

AllonsYtotheTardis

If I get side stitches it's because I'm going too fast or not getting deep enough breaths, so slowing down and taking deep breaths almost always fixes it for me.