Sharp pains from running - need advice

htmlgirl
htmlgirl Posts: 314 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
A few months ago, I completed the couch to 5k program and a few months after that I was consistently running 5k 3x a week. Everything was fine, had no issues running. Well I decided that I wanted to complete 10K by the end of the year. I've been working on that and I'm up to 4 miles (no stopping) minimum (sometimes I can do 10K).

For the past couple of weeks, I've been getting sharp pains in my sides (usually the right side) and today in my abdominal area. Today it hurt so bad that I had to stop running (something I haven't had to do in a LONG time). I wait at least an hour after eating before heading to the gym. I drink at least one bottle of water (approx 20) before going, sometimes more. I tried deep breathing from my diaphragm, but it hurt to much to try to continue to breath that way. It doesn't feel like soreness or cramping, it feels like sharp pains inside.

Maybe I need to wait longer before eating and going to the gym? If so how long would you recommend? I don't eat anything too heavy (usually a meal bar). If I wait too long and get hungry, I start having low energy.

Most of the time I try to fight through the pain and usually I can. Is this okay to do?

If I need to drink more water before I go, how much should I drink? Should I drink something like gatorade beforehand?

I'd like some advice from people who have been running a while.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • sculley
    sculley Posts: 2,012 Member
    I know with me it was two different things.
    My breathing...When you run it is about your breathing (just like when you swim...form and breathing) and the other was the lack of water. I try to drink two cups (on top of whatever I have drank that day to total my daily intake) within an hour before I run...Granted you might have to tweak the time yourself. I also will chew gum while I am running I find this helps alittle. Good luck

    I am interested to see anyone else opinion on this :)
  • trail_rnr
    trail_rnr Posts: 337 Member
    Slow down. I know, you don't want to. But try it. This could solve the problem. :happy:

    Also, not sure how soon before you are running that you are drinking the water, but that much water wouldn't work for me. You are better off focusing on staying hydrated throughout the day, not thinking about it the hour before you go exercise.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    It's been a long time since I suffered from side stitches but I feel your pain.

    One "cure" is to slow down a bit,l it's believed (no one seems to know for sure what causes them) that one of the causes is rapid shallow breathing. Try to relax and fully inhale and exhale.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Is this only when you run? Does other exertion cause it too? Unless you've changed the way you eat for running, I wouldn't think that was it. It could be something physical like a pulled muscle, hiatal hernia, early signs of appendicitis (if you have an appendix), or any number of things.

    You could try changing your eating habits and stretching well before and after a run, but if it continues you really should see a physician.

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