Week 4 run 1 completed

[pollymum]

Gosh! That was hard. I thought it would get easier, but really got out of breath on that run. Any tips on how to stop stitche's? Feeling proud I completed it though bring on run 2 🏃🏃

[mooning Graduate]

Stitches can feel quite debilitating, especially when you feel you've got the energy to continue. I used to get them regularly, and still do on occasion. There are several things that helped (in addition to my just getting fitter). The first thing I did was slow down. Another thing was to breath out in an exaggerated way (as you would into a paper bag) for 2-3 left foot strikes, and then breath in for the same amount of time. I would do this from the very start of my run, in order to prevent a stitch rather than get rid of one that was already there. Working on my running form also helped a lot. For this I made sure I ran with good posture, making sure I look into the distance about 30ft in front rather than down at the ground. This opened up the lungs and lengthened the body. I started running tall. Another thing I did was make sure that my elbows never came in front of my body, but rather I moved my arms back wards in a relaxed manner. It is also important to have relaxed shoulders - you look a little like a T-Rex here, but it helps a lot. As for when I got a stitch, I slow down some more and stretch my arms out behind me, sometimes even putting my arms straight and sticking them out to the side. I also make sure I concentrate on the breathing, the idea is to stop the diaphragm from causing pain as you run. Best of luck and well done so far.

[pollymum in reply to mooning]

Thanks for your help. I will try it when I next get a stitch 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Listen to Laura, and try to follow her instructions, the long list includes relaxed shoulders, fists unclenched and running tall etc.

There is so much to think about, but put it all together and it works. I , like many of us focused on each instruction until it became second nature. Even now I can almost hear Laura's voice in my ear telling me to drop my shoulders, or shake my arms out to loosen tension,

Stitch, is horrid...I have had it no more than twice, but it was fairly unpleasant. I remember I did slow down... even slower than I was going in the early days

Laura suggests a particular way of breathing to help...listen to her advice; you will get,also many ideas from those who know and have experienced stitch frequently.

Slow and steady is our mantra, as you will have gathered. It does help with so many issues.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

To clear a stitch slow down and take deliberately deep breaths. A stitch can be caused by gulping water, so avoid drinking while running.