Week 6 Run 3: I was so nervous about this run! I... - Couch to 5K

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Week 6 Run 3

Pink_85 profile image
8 Replies

I was so nervous about this run! I’ve stopped and started couch 2 5k numerous times over the last 3 years. This is the furthest I’ve gotten and I am chuffed to bits!

The first 20 minutes were ok (much better than week 5 run 3!) but in the last 2 minutes I had the mother of all stitches. I slowed down but couldn’t shift it, any tips? I remember Michael Johnson giving some breathing advice for stitches?

Feeling great! Fingers crossed I can graduate before Christmas!

This has been a great page for support.

Have a great weekend everyone! 😘

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Pink_85 profile image
Pink_85
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8 Replies
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate

well done!!! You did it in spite of the stitch…some advice I was given which helped…

Slow down When you’re running, the goal is to keep moving. That’s why the first strategy you try should be slowing your pace and changing the cadence of your breathing, Colvin says.Practice belly breathingBelly breathing, aka diaphragmatic breathing, requires you to slow down and bring focus to your breath. When you get a side stitch, pause your exercise and take a few belly breaths. Inhale and exhale fully and deeply. Stretch your arms and your absStretch your arms overhead and then over to the side of the stitch. Hold this position for 30 seconds. You may need to do this a few times to get relief. Push on the stitchIf you feel a stitch coming on, stop running and step out of the way. Locate the stitch and place your hand in the location where you feel the stitch coming on. Push on the area while inhaling. Each time you exhale, push a little deeper into the painful spot. If you want to keep moving, you can do this while walking.

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate

Congratulations! That’s a great run to have completed, especially with the stitch. You’re making super progress.

My experience with stitches is that I mainly get them if I’ve eaten the wrong thing, or eaten too close to running. I’ve had them much less when I’ve thought a bit more carefully about that!

Slowing right down, sometimes to a walk, until it passes is the only thing that’s worked but I’m going to try Annieapple techniques if it happens again. Thanks for the great advice Annie! ❤️

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

You deserve to be chuffled to bits Pink 85, congratulations on completing run 3 of week 6, you are now OFFICIALLY a RUNNER and you should feel great, I am sure you will be able to graduate before Christmas, only 9 more runs until you graduate which should be just before Christmas.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Just wonderful... well done you! You got through it ! Try those ideas from Annieapple too!

More tips here too..

runnersworld.com/uk/trainin...

MakingTheMost profile image
MakingTheMostGraduate

Well done Pink_85! That's sounds tough but hugely rewarding!

I've had a few tricky stitches in my time, the only thing I've found that works for me is to run through them. Nowadays, I run in the early morning before I have any food and I don't get them at all. Not everyone can or would want to do that, I'm sure!?! 🌄

Annieapple's advice sounds excellent as always! Keep going, you are not far off at all!🏃‍♀️

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate

Well done on completing W6R3  Pink_85 . When I get a stitch, it's invariably because I've run too soon after a meal. In my case it's deep breathing and continuing to run that works; stopping just makes me feel worse.

If you're a morning person and running before breakfast is an option, do try that. While it's not my thing at all, it works for many people, at least for C25K and short runs.

Pink_85 profile image
Pink_85

Thanks everyone for the advice and support.

I do prefer to run early in the morning but usually have a small snack before the run. Maybe I will try without.

I really don’t want to have to stop running to deal with the stitch as it’s so hard getting going again!

Will try the breathing tips!

Thanks again!

Pegix profile image
PegixGraduate

I must admit I have to leave 3hrs between eating and running so even a snack is out for me. I run before breakfast and all I have before I go is a cup of tea. Since I've realised this I've not suffered from stitch at all. Good luck...you're two weeks ahead of me! X

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