Any advice on stitches?: I completed week... - Couch to 5K

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Any advice on stitches?

malpapolska profile image
malpapolskaGraduate
9 Replies

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 😊

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malpapolska profile image
malpapolska
Graduate
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9 Replies
Darude profile image
DarudeGraduate

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 profile image
malpapolskaGraduate 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 profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

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

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71

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

staceybinns profile image
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 profile image
DbbdGraduate in reply to staceybinns

Yep that one works , tried & tested.

malpapolska profile image
malpapolskaGraduate

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

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

All the above but also avoid drinking while running.

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

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.

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