Second attempt at 10k

[Laura922]

First post on here! Last week I ran my first 10km in 64 minutes. I tried again today but by 6km I was feeling faint, I managed to get to 8.5km but then I ended my run. I don't eat or drink before my runs as I'm very sensitive to stitches. What do people eat/drink before running that doesn't cause a stitch? As I'm running further now my body is telling me it needs some kind of fuel to get to 10km!

Ps I've not posted in the graduate post for bridge to 10k as I feel last week was a fluke 🙈 I don't want to graduate until I have done it again!

[CRAZYCATME Graduate10]

Hi Laura..welcome! The people on here are pretty amazing at helping and encouragement! its not a fluke if you actually did it! Everyone has good runs and not so good runs so dont be hard on yourself. Starting off slower for a long run helps me. I only drink water before a run and have never had stitch. Lots of people seem to rate jelly babies? I have lovely porridge with blueberries when I get back. Just trial and error I guess as everyone is different. Have a happy day..I had a horrible feeling run today myself but we both did it..thats what counts

[Laura922 in reply to CRAZYCATME]

Thank you, I will try a few things each run i go on and see which works, trial and error like you said yes getting out is the most important thing!

[SlowLoris]

Stitch is not always eating related. It can be just exceeding your comfortable pace before you are ready.

Trying to run 10K at not much slower than your 5K pace might be the problem. Try slowing down. Patience and perseverance.

How fast were you running this time? Small changes in pace make a huge difference as the distance gets longer.

[Laura922 in reply to SlowLoris]

I was running 5 seconds slower per km then when I managed 10km! I think hydration may have played a part today and probably the heat! But will try and start out slower next time, I can always go faster towards the end if I feel able to! I normally slow down each km! Thanks for your help.

[Whatsapp Graduate10]

I run early in the morning and don't have anything other than a small glass of water. I have run up to and including 18k in this way without recourse to fuelling.

However, we are all different so the best advice is to experiment with what suits you. Also, make sure you fuel because you need it rather than you feel you should. It is a lot of extra faffage to carry and buy/make fuel - so it needs to be vital.

As for the stiches - its one of those where there is no one straight answer.

I would suggest you up your water/fluid intake - every day - not just run days, if you are not already drinking 2-3 litres a day, as hydration is vitally important.

Also, try not to have spicy food the evening before a run. This is a trigger for mine.

I used to get stiches quite regularly, but never bad enough to stop running. Now it is rare, so it may also be a bit of a phase if you are relatively new to running

[Laura922 in reply to Whatsapp]

I haven't had a stitch for a while as I haven't had anything before a run! Today I felt so light headed and didnt feel better until I had eaten so i think my body probably needs something before. I will try drinking more on my off days, I drink 2 litres already but will up it now it's getting warmer. Thanks for the tips

[JonathanP Graduate10]

What time are you running? When I run (very) early I have some milk and half a banana first.

[Laura922 in reply to JonathanP]

First thing normally. I think I may try half a banana seems to be a popular choice