Trouble with stitches

[Foxyblue]

Wk 2 run 2 complete 👍 running with my 14 yr old and they are really struggling with stitches every time. They are generally fit and healthy (only doing it to keep me company) anyone got any ideas of how they can avoid getting the stitches as it’s really getting them down. Thanks

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

The most obvious way that springs to mind, especially with young fit healthy teens, is to slow down... but there are many factors with stitches, apparently we still don’t really understand them. Here’s an article called beat the stitch runnersworld.com/uk/health/... which may help.

Welcome to the forums and great job getting started. Have a read of the guide to the plan for answers to most of the other questions you’ll have in your head. healthunlocked.com/couchto5k

You can do this... come and chat lots for support and advice. Enjoy your journey

[Foxyblue in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you. Speed definitely isn’t the issue though as he goes at my pace to keep me motivated bless him & believe me I am not fast at all in fact he just about keeps up with me walking off the stitch as I continue to ‘run’ 🙈 he does seem to swing his upper body quite a lot when running so we weren’t sure if this was a factor 🤷🏻‍♀️

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Foxyblue]

Possibly... is he used to any running? The diaphragm is getting quite a workout... and maybe core strength not great... as we are home schooling may I suggest some planks in PE lessons! My daughter hates them, so if her room is a mess she gets more!!!

[Foxyblue in reply to UnfitNoMore]

No previous running but he regularly does the 30day abs challenges etc so pretty decent core and can comfortably plank for a couple of minutes. We always run first thing in the morning so no food etc b4 either. Bit of a mystery but the dehydration thing makes sense as he is a bit rubbish at remembering to drink and often has headaches as a result.

[Woollyweaver Graduate]

My 14 year old also gets stitches quite a lot. Hydration (and slowing down!) definitely helps - on the days when he drinks regularly the day before he seems to be ok, it is just tough having to remind him all the time (I'm so pleased he is doing this and I don't want to make him grumpy 😉😅). I'm sure kids tend to be quite dehydrated - I find the best thing is to get him to fill a large water bottle every morning before he starts his school work, and then supplement that with glasses of water at meal times.

My biggest problem with him (apart from the stitches) is his insistence on running in his fur lined hoody, and then complaining a lot when he gets too hot 😱🤷🤣!

Saying that, he's made it to W8 with only a few repeats, so nearly there! Good luck with yours 🤗

[Foxyblue in reply to Woollyweaver]

Wow that’s amazing! Week 8 still feels impossible at this point.

Sounds like you have a good one there - running with you and completing school work each day 👍 even with the hoodie 😉

Dehydration could definitely be a factor though I’ll keep an eye on that and see how we go. Thank you for your suggestions. I’m totally new to running (well exercise at all if I’m honest 😱) I feel more motivated than I ever have before though and working from home is the perfect opportunity.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Drink plenty of water the day before a run and don’t eat and drink to close to a run. I leave an hour after breakfast and much more after lunch or tea.