Stitch when running - help?1

aliceclutz90
aliceclutz90 Posts: 151 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone. So I've been running now for a good few months in preparation for my first ever 10km (which is in just over a week) and gradually building up my stamina. I've been a regular gym goer for a few years now so I was reasonably fit beforehand but needed to build up my stamina for running and get the miles on my legs.

I've just got back from a week in Corfu during which I was quite active (swimming, horse riding, long walks and climbs etc) but I didn't go for a run or to any gym because there wasn't one. Since I've got back, each time I've been running I've had an awful stitch which I've not had before. Does anybody know why this might be or have any tips on how to prevent/get rid of them? It's so annoying and I don't want to have this problem when I do my official 10km! I'm not sure if its anything to do with my breathing, the heat, what I've eaten/drank beforehand or all of those things, or something else! Thanks in advance.

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Here's a little reading for you...


    http://www.runnersworld.com/beginners/breathing-tips-for-new-runners

    There doesn't seem to be a general consensus on what causes them (but they do seem to go away after you've been running a little while - I don't remember the last time I had one). Try to keep you breathing slow and relaxed, maintain good posture and, if you do get one, slow down your pace, try massaging the affected area and stretch a little.
  • aliceclutz90
    aliceclutz90 Posts: 151 Member
    Thanks Brian - that's really helpful! I'm definitely going to try the stretching and increasing my pace gradually from a walk instead of going straight into a run. Also I had a cup of coffee and a banana about 30 mins before which for a lot of my workouts is beneficial but it seems this may not be the case for running. Also I am totally unaware of my posture so this will be something I will focus on! really helpful article - thank you :)
  • liquidjem
    liquidjem Posts: 138 Member
    Here's a little reading for you...


    http://www.runnersworld.com/beginners/breathing-tips-for-new-runners

    There doesn't seem to be a general consensus on what causes them (but they do seem to go away after you've been running a little while - I don't remember the last time I had one). Try to keep you breathing slow and relaxed, maintain good posture and, if you do get one, slow down your pace, try massaging the affected area and stretch a little.

    I just happened across this post because I recently started running and plan on reading this! Thanks!

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