Any advice on stitches?

[malpapolska]

I completed week 6 tonight and was very happy to have done 25 minutes of running (which I actually found easier than the 2 x 10 minute runs earlier in the week!) - except that for the first time since I started, I got a stitch tonight just before the 20-minute mark which made the last few minutes slow and difficult. Has anyone got any advice on what to do to avoid and/or deal with stitches? Thank you 😊

[Darude Graduate]

When I feel a hint of a stitch, I slow down to almost walking pace, take really deep "belly" breathes until I can't feel it anymore, and gradually build back up the speed. I'm still a beginner, but I hope that works for you too.

[malpapolska Graduate in reply to Darude]

Thanks - will try that if it happens again. I did slow down but it didn’t go away until after I had stopped running.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Stitches, they are gremlins hiding under your skin....poke them, carry on running, change your breathing to even deeper breaths & they should disappear...

[Ripcurlrana71]

Bring properly hydrated is key. And don’t run after a big meal.

[staceybinns]

If the stitch is in your ribcage, you could try stretching your arm over your head. E.g. if the stitch is right-sided, raise your right arm above your head, then use your left hand to stretch it over to the left (above your head) and vice versa for left-sided stitch. 😊

[Dbbd Graduate in reply to staceybinns]

Yep that one works , tried & tested.

[malpapolska Graduate]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Will try them if it happens again.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

All the above but also avoid drinking while running.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Laura (and presumably the celebrities using her script) has advice on managing stitch somewhere in the early weeks. I forget the details but it involved pressing into the area and long breaths out.