Need help, calling all runners!

mamarundrc

Any tips on how to breath when you run? I have been training to run a 5K in May and I am doing great, but I keep getting cramps in my side while I am running and have to stop and walk for a bit until I calm down my breathing. Is there any tips on how to breath to stop this from happening? Is there another reason this would be happening?

bethrs

This sounds like a case of "side stitches" and often food eaten too close to running or types of food can be the culprit. To get more info you could check out runnersworld.com

HTH

kelsully

I don't give it a lot of thought now but a long time back my cross country coach told me to breathe in through my nose ...hold for a quick second and then let it out slowly through my mouth...when I did that I could battle back the side stitches....It gave me somehing to focu on..controlled breathing ...a bit like yoga....some people are naturally mouth breathers...some nose etc so give it a try

taldie01

make sure you are hydrated, breath slowly and controlled

venwright

Cramps in your side can also come from a lack of water... try drinking water a few of glasses of water at least two hours before you run.

DianaM1020

Most of the time it's from dehydration so make sure you drink a LOT the night before! I breathe in through my nose for two steps and out through my mouth for two steps. it helps to expand your lungs so you're getting more oxygen! Good luck!

mamarundrc

THanks for all the great tips, I will have to give them a try and see if it gets better!