I have a running question....

I have been running on the treadmill (5 to 6mph). There are days that I get on do my 1/2 lap warm up then when I get going I will be on my like 2nd lap and I will get pain in my side.
Can you let me know what I am doing wrong ? But then on other days I get going and It doesn't hurt. Do I need to warm up more or is it my breathing? Any input would be greatly appreciated...
I have gotten to where on a good day I can run 2 miles. On days that I get the side pain I walk until it goes away and then run again. Thanks in advance.

Melissa

Those are side stitches - has to do with your breathing - or lack of it actually! If you are getting them only on one side - you are probably favoring one foot. Stop running - bend over and let your hands hang down to your toes and take 5 deep breaths. Sometimes, I don't stop running but I reach up with my arms above my head and lean away from the stitch and breath through it. I have also heard that a deep 'fake cough' where you let out a deep breath from the diaghram works too. you have to see which works for you. Do a search on www.runnersworld.com for this topic and you will find lots of suggestions on how to cure. Just a part of running my dear! Breathe!!

I used to have the same problem. Then I read an article that says you should breathe in and out when your left foot hits the ground. After I did that, the side stitches went away.