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06-30-2008, 11:58 PM Paigers Joined on 06-16-2008 Posts 71 Side stitches Hi guys,   Got my first side stitch today on my W7D2 run.  Same run I've done the last few times, so why the side stitch today? Had a bit of water on the way to the gym today that I normally don't have.  Seems it has to do with shallow breathing, but the breathing was the same today...in the nose 2 steps and and out the mouth 2 steps (people who exhale when the right foot hits have more stitches than left foot exhale people, but I'm a lefty). Could the sip of water do it? And did I mention how painful it was? Oouchhhh! I could barely finish my run and could barely breathe.  Hope I can keep it from happening again.  Any thoughts? Paige    Report

07-01-2008, 4:57 AM Scheezo Joined on 04-06-2008 Posts 107 Re: Side stitches I was getting side stitches on week 3 and found an article that said never inhale through your nose because it can't provide you with enough air.  Also, it said when you get the stitches it is because your diaphragm is tightening up and if you take in deep breaths and exhale quickly it helps stretch the muscles back out and will help you.  I've found this to be true.    Report

07-03-2008, 2:55 PM MisterChris Joined on 02-20-2008 Posts 98 Re: Side stitches Yes, Coolrunning said that in an article about side stitches, and I've found it to work well in practice as well. Deep breaths in, fast breath out. Check out the Christian Indie C25K Podcast...    Report

07-03-2008, 7:42 PM Paigers Joined on 06-16-2008 Posts 71 Re: Side stitches I'll try that! My mouth gets so dry with just mouth breathing, but if it keeps me from getting a side stitch it's worth it.  I also did some reading on the subject and it said the side stitch is a spasm between the ligaments that attach the diaphragm to the liver.  It happens because the diaphram does not properly rest back on top of the liver when you're exhaling inefficiently (shallow breathing).  The article said to push up under the ribcage when you inhale and push it down when you exhale to push the diaphragm back into position. At least some things to try next time.  Did the W7D2 run and was fine, so have no idea what happened on that one day.   Paige    Report

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