Runners, Runners, Everywhere!
I'm posting because I have a specific question, but I guess this could be a good place for general questions as well.
My questions is whether many of you deal with side aches when you run? I find that a get them fairly frequently. I don't get one every time I run, but maybe 2 out of 5 times. They are almost always on the right side, and they often get bad enough that I have to stop.
They are never predictable, sometimes coming after 1.5 miles, sometimes after a few blocks. It's frustrating, because my body isn't tired. I could run further, if not for the pain.
I always try to drink a lot of water throughout the day when I run, so I don't think it's dehydration.
Does anyone else get these, and what do you do? Any thoughts would be welcomed!
User Comments
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Hi cutetoes,
I occasionally get these too. They are typically referred to by those in the running & sports medicine communities as "side stitches." I sometimes even get them after I stop running altogether!
Here are some useful articles, which provide techniques for getting rid of side stitches. Hope you find them useful!
www.fictionweek.com/trailrunningusa/sideache.html
www.irontrybe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=189
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Yeah, I've read some of these possible solutions, but not all of them. Thanks, I'll try these out.-
I find that I can get rid of the side stitches by really focusing on breathing with my diaphragm, breathing in and out slowly, and relaxing (breathing in) and tightening (breathing out) my stomach muscles in the process. This helps me relax my "side" and the stitch just evaporates; it is probably related to turning me into a deep breather (as one of the articles from the above links discusses). I actually haven't had a side stitch in years, however, though I used to get them lot, especially as a kid. Good luck! Jim
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I agree with chemrat, it's mostly about the breathing. I used to get them horribly years ago, but since I started running again I haven't had one until today (5k turkey trot). I quickly realized I was huffing like a broken lawnmower. Fixed my breathing, used my diaphragm more and all was good.
My wife still gets them although she's in much better shape than I. We both know it's because of her breathing too. She's uses her upper chest to breathe, not her diaphragm. If she focuses on her breathing, she can get rid of them pretty quickly.
I'm sure there are other causes, but breathing is the first and easiest place to start. -
There is an excellent blog on running, with everything you could ever possibly want to know on running, called 'speed endurance'. I am sure that you will find all the questions (and more) answered.
speedendurance.com -
What I find helps is to not eat within an hour or two before your run (the bigger the meal the more time you need) - sometimes GU or something small and easily digested is okay.
Also, "belly breathing" helps me once a stitch starts to set in. Expand your stomach as you inhale and it seems to sort of "loosen up" that stitch. -
Also, a lot of people get side stitches when they are dehydrated, so be sure to hydrate a few hours before your run!
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I didnt know that there was actually a term for 'pain in the side' when running...I just figured that it was time for me to stop and stretch before continuing
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