Getting a stitch quickly when running

Squible
Squible Posts: 359 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So I have been running for a while (inconsistently I might add) but I got to the point where I was able to run about 25-30 mins without having to take walking breaks.

But recently the past few weeks I have been really struggling with the running. I can just push myself to get to about 5 mins and then I'm getting really tired and my breathing is off and I get a stitch really quickly and I'm having to take walking breaks and then picking it back up and try and pus through but get to about 5/6 mins and I'm really tired again.

Any advice as its really frustrating me I want to be able to run for 30mins again!

Replies

  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    I think it's about rhythm of running. You have to find a gait that doesn't make everything inside you jump around.
  • Squible
    Squible Posts: 359 Member
    wow that was fast! thanks :)
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    I had another thought. Are your iron levels ok? All those things can be a sign of anaemia.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    I find I get stitches when I up mileage or speed, and when I'm running downhill. I think with downhill running, it's as fteale says, just the strain of all that jiggling about on the tummy.

    With the other kinds of stitches, I've found persisting through them tends to mean they disappear after a week or two of running through them.
  • deepfuture
    deepfuture Posts: 35 Member
    As your fittness increases you stitches will fade .. thats what happened me .. Also try to take drinks at least 30 mins before a run and foods at least an hour ..

    This may help

    http://www.makeithappen.com/wis/readings/sidest.html
  • Squible
    Squible Posts: 359 Member
    I think so....
    I recently had a full check up with blood tests and the works and I think ( i hope) they would have checked my iron as well.

    I'll start incorporating more iron into my diet as well and see if that helps.

    Any suggestions?
  • nishadali
    nishadali Posts: 1
    It might even depend on your pace. Have you ever tried to increase your earlier pace sunndenly?
  • GenFo
    GenFo Posts: 124 Member
    This was happening to me for a while - always on the right side. I researched a lot and I'm not sure if this is what ended up helping or not, but it's worth a try. Focus on exhaling when your left foot strikes. If you exhale on the right there isn't enough cushion during impact and the liver and gallbladder get jolted. I did this for a few runs and haven't thought about it since. Now the stitch is gone. Make sure you don't hold your breath. The exhale is just as important as bringing air in.
  • GenFo
    GenFo Posts: 124 Member
    Getting any better Squible?
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    Just a thought, but are you eating anything significant within, say, two hours of running? You may find that the blood flow diverted to the gut to aid digestion leaves inadequate supply to some of the muscles in the mid-section, causing a stich. If you have to eat something within two hours of going, make sure it's a light bite only and you should be ok.

    Although, like others are saying if you're easing yourself in then it may be a case that they will naturally dissipate in a few weeks as your body gets used to the exertion.
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
    I've found a stich is caused by a lack of fluid or by gas. If you've up you pace then stiches are more likely. Back your pace off a bit in the begining and then slowly increase your speed. If you can't talk in a complete sentence while running you're running to fast. Remember that slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
  • Squible
    Squible Posts: 359 Member
    Just a thought, but are you eating anything significant within, say, two hours of running? You may find that the blood flow diverted to the gut to aid digestion leaves inadequate supply to some of the muscles in the mid-section, causing a stich. If you have to eat something within two hours of going, make sure it's a light bite only and you should be ok.

    Although, like others are saying if you're easing yourself in then it may be a case that they will naturally dissipate in a few weeks as your body gets used to the exertion.

    No i Usually get up in the morning and go for a run straight away So cant be aiding digestion but thanks I'll keep that in mind if i run in the evening
  • Squible
    Squible Posts: 359 Member
    Getting any better Squible?

    I unfortunately haven't been out for the past week as i've been so stressed with work and just completely lost all motivation and eaten so much bad stuff.

    Back on it today though so will try all these tips and hope it gets better :)
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