Side Stitches that Last

Hemis_mom

Hi MPFers I have been doing the couch to 5k running program I am on week 7--On Saturday I went for my 25 minute run and got a terrible side stitch I kept running as I didn't want to give up and then yesterday my left side (side with stitch) hurt ALL DAY--I feel much better today but am hesitant to run again. Does anyone have some suggestions of ways to strengthen whatever causes these side stitches--I don't want to give up as my 5k is only 3 weeks away but I also don't want to cause unnecessary damage to myself--Any thoughts would be appreciated. This has happened before but the pain was less severe so I thought it was an abdominal muscle pull or just weakness I don't have the strongest core--but yesterday the pain was pretty bad--Today I feel fine??
Thanks
Kendra

ukhennin

I know it may be counter intuitive, but when you get your side stitches make sure you relax your core so you can breathe deeply from the belly. Often times we think that you need core strength to prevent that so you might tighten your core. But that in fact restricts you from getting the deep breaths you need. Also, slow down.

tandroes

i just started week 8 and the past few runs (including week 7) i have been having pain too... i've heard if you lift up your chest so you can get more air to your lungs it helps... i have issues doing it, i always feel like i'm holding my breath, but i know when i remember to do it (usually after i'm already in pain) it seems to help a little. hope that makes sense.

sweetheart03622

Take deep, slow breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.

TorridCutie

Poor running form is the main cause of side stitches. Try to hold your upper body upright when running. That should relieve the pressure that is causing the side splits.

LilRedRooster

Occasionally, I'll get some gnarly stitches, and they're usually from dehydration.

Hemis_mom

Occasionally, I'll get some gnarly stitches, and they're usually from dehydration.

I was wondering if it was dehydration--I am having a hard time staying hydrated this summer I have been working in a job this summer that is extremely hot and leaves me drenched in sweat during and at the end of every shift. Then add the running it seems no matter how much I drink I still feel dehydrated-- I guess I will just have to drink more ;-)

irongirl73

I've never had one last after running so I'm not sure about that. I found this though and it has lots of info:

http://www.marathon-training-schedule.com/running-stitch.html

One thing I do while I am running to get rid of them is to focus more on my breathing. You typicially breath in when a certain foot goes forward, so force your breathing to breathe in when the other foot goes forward. For me, it would be my left leg. Do that until it goes away. It always works for me. Side stitches subside the longer you run, so just keep plugging along! hydrate too!