View Full Version : Running with stitches
kitty unrest
May 16, 2009, 09:09 AM
When I start jogging on the treadmill I immediately start getting a stitch and I can't work it out. I've tried the "changing of the breathing pattern for the other foot" but it doesn't seem to work. Could somehting be causing it such as not breathing properly to begin with, not enough air? Stress?
woodpony22
May 17, 2009, 08:38 PM
I'm not familiar with "stitch" Is that a cramp?
kitty unrest
May 18, 2009, 10:09 AM
Yes, a stitch is like a cramp on either side of your abdomen which runners will sometimes get. You might remember them from when you young and drank too much water then went to play sports or something. It's basically extremely painful and distracting when you're trying to run. Usually you try and run it through by chaning your breathing patterns
woodpony22
May 18, 2009, 02:16 PM
OK... a side ache or spasm of the diaphram. Yes some say to run through them and I guess I don't have a better answer. However I do recommend to my clients that they document as much as possible about their xrcise prog and this is no exception. When and how much did you eat and drink before running? At what HR do the spasms begin? Always know where your heart rate is--get a monitor if necessary. If you run through it -- how long did it take? It concerns me that the spasm starts immediately. My experience is that they come further in-- maybe 6 to 8 min. Make sure it is a spasm and not something more serious.
kitty unrest
May 19, 2009, 08:00 PM
Thanks, It actually seems to happen when I have more stress, almost like I'm not breathing properly and another thought is I am wondering if it's from not warming up enough so I'll try some experiments and see how things go.