W8R2 feeling unfit :(

[SubterraneanAlien]

This is the first week that I've really found difficult and wanted to stop. I haven't stopped - I managed. I feel like my legs could keep going, faster even. But I get a stitch within the first five minutes that stay for the duration of the run.

I've tried everything to avoid it - breathing harder, slowing down, hydrating plenty the day before and the day of the run, not eating for two hours before I run - none of it works. And because I'm breathing harder, that's what makes me feel unfit. I have no more capacity in my little lungs! (I might have a bee in my bonnet about my lungs as I am asthmatic, although massively well-controlled compared to my childhood.)

Will I get fitter? Will I be able to complete the programme? Will I be able go run and enjoy it because I don't have stitch anymore?!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Of course you’ll finish! You’ve only 2 mins extra to add on! Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water the day before a run as that can cause stitches 👌🏽

[TanyaGel Graduate]

Well done you for completing it - you have come so far, and, if you look back at the way you were when you first started you will see the progress and improved fitness level .

If you are like me every run feels difficult , however by completing them you are always improving . It may not seem like it as you are never doing the running times - so yes it will always seem harder because you are constantly pushing yourself further...if you didn’t you wouldn’t improve.

Give yourself a pat on the back for completing it don’t feel bad feel good about it you are achieving things you haven’t done before. If you falter just pick yourself up dust off and try again until you do it👍

[SubterraneanAlien Graduate in reply to TanyaGel]

Thank you. This helps a lot. X

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Superb job... running through a stitch isn’t easy, you wanted to stop... and yet here you are job done and once again victorious.

Fitness and endurance are linked, so as you go beyond 30 minutes on a long slow run, you’ll build endurance to make 30 minutes easier. They’re only small steps at the end of the plan, but they are pushing against the limit of your endurance and so reasonably tough still. So, yes they will get easier, and when the diaphragm also conditions you should get less stitches.

Have you tried pressing it and leaning to the other side?

[SubterraneanAlien Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you. Yes, I've tried pressing but not leaning. Will try that next time!

Is that what it is then - a diaphragm that needs conditioning?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to SubterraneanAlien]

Yeah, you’ll still get the odd one, but a stitch is the diaphragm cramping just like any other muscle does. It will improve.

[SubterraneanAlien Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

That makes sense. I guess I've never really done any exercise so it's really weak and just needs strengthening by regular exercise.

Thank you for responding. It makes me feel much better.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Don't breathe harder............for a stitch, slow right down and breathe deeply in a controlled manner.

Will you get fitter? Answer it yourself...... could you run for 28 minutes a few weeks ago?

Keep this all in perspective......... you are doing brilliantly.........some of us have extra hurdles to overcome............so it may take a bit longer.

My main advice would be that you need to relax when you run. If you don't feel relaxed, then you are probably pushing yourself too hard.

You can do this!

[SubterraneanAlien Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Ah ok! Breathe deeply not harder. That's helpful. Will try next time.

Relax and run - I can do that.

Thank you so much. Your reply is very reassuring.

[SubterraneanAlien Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Just thought I'd let you know that I totally took your advice for W8R3 about breathing deeply and controlled, and also relaxing as I ran. My pace felt slow but I just remained mindful of any tensing of my shoulders, and consciously relaxed as I went. I didn't get a stitch at all! Result!

Furthermore, for the last five minutes, I did pick up the pace and really enjoyed that part of the run - with no stitch pain at all. So thank you, Iannoda Truffe, once again!

[embobs Graduate]

We’ve never liked those run 2s! I find the colder air makes my stitch worse so maybe it the change in temp recently too. You’ll definitely finish this! Nothing will stop you! I just started week 9...that 30 minute mark is such a buzz! Keep going!!!

[SubterraneanAlien Graduate in reply to embobs]

Yes, that is true. Perhaps it's the time of day as I do that run earlier? Maybe I go faster because more people can see me! Well done on 30min! You'll be a graduate before long!

[embobs Graduate in reply to SubterraneanAlien]

All reasons that effect my runs too! Xx