A stitch in time

[Jog176]

Just done w9r1 - I don’t do social media! But have been following some of the posts on this forum and finding it useful- so thanks. I’m amazed at the way the app has got me to week nine, I’m overweight, over 60 and asthmatic… and yes I have gone into gaudy lycra!!

I consistently get a stitch like pain in the left side of my chest. It’s not in anyway debilitating and often disappears before the end of the run. I have found stretching (while running) with gentle body twist and raising my arms helps. Any other tips for dealing with this?

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Well done with your progress!And yes, stretching can help eleviate a stitch !

You may also find this usefull

runnersworld.com/uk/trainin...

[Jog176 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

👍

[Hidden]

Simple stitch remedy= slow down will help, you can also gently massage the area affected! If drinking whilst running use small sips rather than plugging 👍

Happy running

[Jog176 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Nice work. There are many causes for stitches, most of which you are working on right now, so while you may still get the odd one they will reduce over time. It runnersworld link above is the one I used.

[Jog176 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

👍

[Yesletsgo Administrator]

All the above plus a very simple tip. Stitches are caused by a build up of lactic acid in muscle due to anaerobic respiration taking place. You need to get oxygen to the tissue and get rid of the excess CO2.

Try repeatedly exhaling quite hard, so you can hear the air coming out, as you run. This should get rid of the stitch.If you concentrate on exhaling thoroughly as you run you should prevent future stitches. Your body will automatically take care of the inhale, don't worry.

An aerobics teacher told me this at a class back in the 1980s and I don't think I've had a stitch since 😁

[Jog176 Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

I’ll definitely try that - thanks.

[misswobble Graduate]

I used to get a lot of stitch in my early runs I still do, towards the end of runs mostly If it’s bad I stop running, bend down and slowly touch my toes, slowly rise back up and stretch my arms up to the heavens You can move to the right and left, stretching your sides, while your arms are still up in the air.

Make sure you’ve digested yourself meal properly before heading out 🙂👍

[Jog176 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thanks. That all rings true as good advice. Also the tips about massaging the area proved helpful today.

[misswobble Graduate]

I ran long yesterday. I was drinking plenty but I did get stitch, and had to stop to stretch on the way, back several times I think with the heat, and the length of the run, I was slumping with fatigue. I kept hauling myself up 🙂