Stitch while running?

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carbons2k
carbons2k Posts: 383 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I notice that lately when Im running on the treadmill I get a stitch on the upper right part of my abs (or where my abs should be) Its like right under my peck muscle. I asked my trainer what it was and he said to slow down to a walk and to just breathe thru it. I run at a 6-6.5 and it doesnt come till after about the 10 minute mark. I used to run the same speed for like 20-25 mins and I dont remember getting it. Any Ideas?

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  • aehartley
    aehartley Posts: 269 Member
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    I know it is coming on about the 30 min mark for me. Try changing your breathing while you are running, or even softly pressing into the area that is affected. Usually helps me out when I am getting a stich... Also watch what you eat and drink 30 min before you run because some studies show that affects the movment of the subq- layer ( where you actually get the stich)
  • chickenpoppa
    chickenpoppa Posts: 207 Member
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    I would like the answer to this as well, i have the same thing happen and it annoys me so much:-(
  • carbons2k
    carbons2k Posts: 383 Member
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    Should I up the water intake a bit? I know I dont drink too much as it is....
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
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    I too was going to suggest changing your breathing (in the nose, out the mouth, slow it down, breath down to your diaphram), do a full body check . . . how's your posture? how's your stride? If you're body is starting to show fatigue in your posture and stride try to pull it back together (my breathing starts to shallow, my stride shortens, my shoulders will start to slouch, I have to put everything back in place). Maybe try drinking more prior to your workout, or varying when you're drinking and see if that helps (I don't like to drink when I exercise or within 15 minutes prior).
  • mommaski4
    mommaski4 Posts: 305 Member
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    I just googled this because it has not really happened to me much in the last year. However, now I am trying to get faster (I run really, really slow - but hey- I run) so I am concentrating more on longer strides and higher spring in my step. Well apparently that is setting off my side stitches.

    It seems that they have found that side stitches are caused by a stretching of the ligaments that connect the diaphragm to the organs, particularly the liver. It is exasperated when we exhale when the right foot hits the ground because the liver is located on the right side.

    http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/injuries/a/aa053100a.htm

    http://www.makeithappen.com/wis/readings/sidest.html

    http://www.therunnersguide.com/blog/side-stitch-while-running/

    I guess I have to start paying attention to my exhales now too. Boy, running can be a lot of work. :wink:

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