Couch to 5K Question

alapointe · July 2009

I am running my first 5K in 4 weeks. I have been running for the past 8 months, but i have never been very good at it, and i could never run for very long before my breathing was out of control. Well i figured out that if i slow it way down i can keep going without having the breathing problems.

I just found out about the couch to 5 K program and since i have been running for a while thought i would start with week 4 since that seemed like one i could do based on my past. It was fine and i was able to get through it pretty easily, but i started to get those horrible side cramps right at the end on the last minute.

Here is my question. What is the reason for these cramps and how can I stop from getting them in the future?

ianconway · July 2009

Try this link for Side Stiches-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Side_stitch

I think this may be what you are talking about...

Hope this helps!
-Ian

stenogal · July 2009

Congrats on your hard work and dedication! I know how hard it can be and how dedicated you have to be to accomplish the goal of running your first 5K. I have ran three 5K's and I am now thinking of going for a 10K. Yikes!
Well, I've noticed in the past that I would get the same side cramps that you are talking about if I didn't drink a lot of water that day. On the days that I would run my longest distance I would make sure to get in at least 4 water bottles of water that day.
Also, I am able to control my breathing if I remember to keep my shoulders back and chin up while I'm running. I would catch myself a little slumped over and that made me feel heavy and tired, and inturn made my breathing harder. I also bought myself an Ipod Shuffle. The music helps me to focus more on keeping a pace and not so much on feeling tired or out of breath.

I hope that helps! You can get some great tips too on the Runner's World website. Good luck with your 5K!

Melissa (Stenogal)

alapointe · July 2009

Thanks I couldn't get to that link for some reason it kept coming up as broken, but i googled it and found the reason. I ate too close to running as i have not had this problem before now i think that is the cause, but i understand what the issue is now.

The funny thing is, i have come to rely on MFP for so much related to excercise and fitness i didn't even think to google it, i just came here first. Now don't i feel silly for this.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

alapointe · July 2009

Congrats on your hard work and dedication! I know how hard it can be and how dedicated you have to be to accomplish the goal of running your first 5K. I have ran three 5K's and I am now thinking of going for a 10K. Yikes!
Well, I've noticed in the past that I would get the same side cramps that you are talking about if I didn't drink a lot of water that day. On the days that I would run my longest distance I would make sure to get in at least 4 water bottles of water that day.
Also, I am able to control my breathing if I remember to keep my shoulders back and chin up while I'm running. I would catch myself a little slumped over and that made me feel heavy and tired, and inturn made my breathing harder. I also bought myself an Ipod Shuffle. The music helps me to focus more on keeping a pace and not so much on feeling tired or out of breath.

I hope that helps! You can get some great tips too on the Runner's World website. Good luck with your 5K!

Thanks for the info that is a great help. I hope to wone day run a marathon, maybe. I still have a while to go and i don't really like running, but it has really helped me to loose the weight.

I noticed your tag, are you a stenographer?

Melissa (Stenogal)

stenogal · July 2009

Yes, I'm an Official Court Reporter

which is the fancy term for working in the courtroom. LOL!
I love my job...but...it can be a bit tooooo much for me. That is why I turned to running. Great way to relieve the stress!

Good luck and take care:flowerforyou:

Couch to 5K Question

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