Scot 703 Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 (edited) So I have been running 4, maybe 5 times a week mostly 5K's or smaller, faster runs. I've never had stitches before but for some reason recently it's been worse than ever. Always at the same distance into a run, about 2K. It's unbearable and I normally have to stop. I don't eat and hour before running and have tried to alter my breathing but it still happens! Anyone got some hints and tips to prevent/get rid of, stitches? Edited April 3, 2014 by Scot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ---- Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Just slow down, deeper breaths and wait for it to go away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fruitandveg + 26 Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 I forget where I read it (somewhere reputable I know), but plenty of water. I had this and I drink about a litre of water before 5K - you feel a bit full for a few mins but after that you'll be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scot 703 Posted April 3, 2014 Author Share Posted April 3, 2014 I forget where I read it (somewhere reputable I know), but plenty of water. I had this and I drink about a litre of water before 5K - you feel a bit full for a few mins but after that you'll be fine. See I was always told to avoid water directly before. Cheers though, I'll definitely try this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smarty90 30 Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 (edited) Sip your water, I sip throughout the day intermittently. Never drink a cup of water before a run. And chew your food, like really chew it till it turns to mush. I feel like a hypocrite, regularly eating meals in about 1 minute but it does help! Edited April 3, 2014 by smarty90 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gone 731 Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Staying hydrated definitely helps, and as has been mentioned, sipping is better than a belly full of sloshing liquid. Personally, and anecdotally, I find that changes in my diet tend to contribute to increased numbers of stitches. I find that if I've consumed more sugary/fatty foods in the days before, then I get stitches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teginder81 * 0 Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 my method of stitch removal is: check how you're breathing when you run. If you normally breathe in when your right foot hits the ground, swap it round, so that you breathe in on a left foot strike. And the fitter you get, the less you'll get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[email protected] 51 Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Help from the experts at Runnersworld- http://m.runnersworld.com/running-tips/four-ways-stop-dreaded-side-stitch?page=single I was always told if you lift both arms above your head that helps too. Good luck :-) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW_matt1546082774 48 Posted April 10, 2014 Share Posted April 10, 2014 Do you warm up before you train? I have heard its something to do with the intercostal muscles cramping but i don't know how true that is as i've heard so many theories regarding stitches. If have also heard that if you are topping up on water you should warm it up in your mouth first but again i've no idea. I dont think anyone knows really what it is, but i've found that as i became fitter they stopped Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smarty90 30 Posted April 10, 2014 Share Posted April 10, 2014 I felt a stitch coming on during my bleep test the other day. It was disgraceful, until about a year ago I was regularly running 5 miles, and even 8 and 10 miles in good time! Now the weather's looking up I think I'll get back out there soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggnog 0 Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 Have a few days off maybe? I know you can really do nothing but cardio and you don't need rest days but if you're frequently getting this issue give it a shot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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