Wk5 and really struggling with a stitch - any advice?

[Runningmummy]

My legs are fine, I'm getting to grips with my mental state and pushing myself through but the stitch is really starting to make me dread going out. Have tried Laura's tips and slowing pace etc but once it's niggling I can't get rid of it. Anyone had similar and got through it? Thanks!

[ClearlyAM Graduate]

Some of the tips on the podcast have really helped me with stitches..

- i now always have a big gulp of water before going on a run

- as soon as the twinges of stitch start I start focussing on my breathing and make sure it's in through nose out through mouth

These usually work if I catch stitch early enough - though on some earlier runs I did just have to keep running last 5 mins with a stitch - which always seems to miraculously disappear as soon as I stop!!

Good luck!

[shelleymcb Graduate]

if I run in the evening I get stitch. if I run in the morning I am fine.

Ive heard that dehydration can cause stitch. have you tried taking a bottle of water with you to drink through the run. also, when I did get stitch I found that concentrating on breathing deeply & pressing a fist into the stitch helped.

good luck X

[sfb350 Graduate]

I haven't suffered badly at all but when I feel even the slightest niggle I try Laura's tips and they seem to work as it has never developed beyond a niggle. I alway run in the morning. I eat a banana about an hour beforehand and drink plenty of water when I wake up, then sip Lucozade Revive during the brisk walks.

[smokeysalmon02 Graduate]

Watched Branicac (Science Abuse) once and they said one of the best ways to rid yourself of a stitch is to place your hands above your head. This is meant to get more oxygen to the lungs. I also slow down and focus on breathing.