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From: Paul Shields
Category: General
Date: 10/2/98
Time: 8:38:02 PM
Remote Name: 203.38.32.115
Fred,
Side Stitch can be a terribly frustrating problem. Here are some brief guidelines to help you out.
They are usually caused by cramps in your diaphragm, gas build-up in the intestines or food in the stomach. Stitches mostly occur during hard runs or races.
When you get a stitch on your right side slow down for a minute or so and breathe out hard when your left foot strikes the ground. If the stitch is on your left, exhale hard when your right foot hits. If this doesn't work, try slow, deep breathes expanding your lungs into your stomach cavity or run with your hands on top of your head, elbows back inhaling deeply from your belly.
Something else that works for a few people is to make a fist and push it under your ribcage, press the fist with your free arm and bend your body over at right angles. Run like this for a few steps. This stretches the diaphragm, and most stitches are caused by a spasm of the diaphragm. If none of these methods work, stop and walk until the pain stops.
Also, in case it is caused by food, try not to eat before you run.
Hope the above helps,
Paul
RunCoach - 1998 Index - 1999 Index - Discussions - Calculators - Tips