Need help, calling all runners!

mamarundrc
mamarundrc Posts: 1,577 Member
edited September 24 in Fitness and Exercise
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?

Replies

  • bethrs
    bethrs Posts: 664 Member
    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
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    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
    taldie01 Posts: 378
    make sure you are hydrated, breath slowly and controlled
  • venwright
    venwright Posts: 3
    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
    DianaM1020 Posts: 98 Member
    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
    mamarundrc Posts: 1,577 Member
    THanks for all the great tips, I will have to give them a try and see if it gets better!
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