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griswold
Newbie
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Joined: 27 Nov 2004
Posts: 1
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 Posted: 10/02/07 - 05:25 Post subject:
Lately, I've been getting horrible stitches when I run (3.5 to 5 miles). I have to walk 1 minute or so of each of my runs, which makes me angry. I know that I can run it. Why is it happening to me? Those stitches hurt enough that if I keep trying to run, I'll end up running like a Neanderthal because they hurt so much. Is there a way to prevent it?
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Posted: 11/04/07 - 18:55 Post subject:
A sudden sharp pain in the side of the upper abdomen at the base of the ribs is caused by a spasm of the diaphragm, the muscle that controls your breathing. If your breathing isn't controlled and disciplined, or if you are running too soon after eating or going too fast for your body's breathing machinery to keep up you can join the club. The most of the members of this club are novice runners still adjusting to the running. Anyway when you feel it, the best thing to do is to stop running and keep walking. If the pain persists, try bending over and raising your knee on the stitch side and press your fingers deep into the painful area. Tightening your stomach muscles may help too. Also you should walk while belly breathing. You want to prevent the problem? The most effective way to is to take deep, full "belly breaths" while running. Then you should try to avoid eating within 1 hour of running. Sometimes running in extreme cold temperatures may induce side stitches. If so, try doing some sort of warm-up indoors first, before hitting the cold city streets. Strengthening the abdominal and lower back (core) muscles can help prevent stitches too.
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