Side Stiches???

[mame]

I am soooo frustrated. I seem especially prone to side stiches. Walking does not aggrevate it, and biking--even really long rides does not either. But it seems every time I try to upgrade the walking to running I end up with a severe side stich that refers pain back to my upper back/shoulder--that also reappears during walking for a few weeks--even during short walks. I am up to long walks at least 5 days a week of up to an hour. But now as it is getting colder, and fewer of my workouts are going to be bike riding--I really want to try running again. I am trying to follow the Kick! New Runners plan--a web site that someone on here suggested. But I would appreciate any insight any of you might have about side stiches from running.

[DmOrtega]

What I've found is that I am holding my breath or not breathing deep enough. So what works for me is to concentrate on breathing (short bursts of air) out of my mouth when my side starts to hurt. Breathing in through my nose. It works everytime and has for others as well.

[NydiaC]

My understanding of side stitches it has to do with uneven breathing. I used to get them all the time. Once I learned this, I started matching my breathing to my steps. For example, in my case this worked out to exhaling every 4 steps. Once I started concentrating on that timing (and you have to find what timing works for you), I found it began to come naturally and I didn't have to focus on it any more. Of course you must keep an even pace as well.

Hope this helps.

[Kristilyn1]

Well, I'm glad my self directed cure actually has some basis in fact....lol.

I used to get these every time I ran and I think my problem was not exhaling enough, or shallow breathing. When I occassionally get them now--I concentrate on making sure that ALL the air is pushed out with my diaphragm. I do this several times (also, obviously making sure I am taking IN enough air) and I've found that they will go away--and I can even run through them.

Good luck! I know it makes it so HARD to run when you get them!

Kristi

[guavagirl]

mame --

aren't side stitches the worst -- just as one is building up steam and confidence, the big blow hits.

there is another link on this topic:

http://www.cookinglight.com/vbb/showthread.php?threadid=13431

based on the advice of others, a combination of breathing technique and keeping my stomach fairly empty seems to be working.

all the best to you.

[mame]

new shoes, new extra heavy duty running bra :):), and modulating my breathing like recomended and no side stitch!! Thanks. I had a great run/walk today!! The Kick program is very easy to follow--I don't feel "winded" at all. I paid attention to my breathing in the same way I do when I swim--seemed to work. :)