A problem that many beginning runners encounter is side stitches. If you’ve ever had one, you know what I’m talking about; it’s a sharp, sudden pain just below your rib cage that can double you over and make continuing to run a chore. There are a lot of theories about what causes side stitches. Many people think they’re caused by your diaphragm muscles cramping, either because those muscles, which help with breathing, aren’t used to working hard or because someone has started a run too quickly.
This theory sounds right to me because beginners get stitches more often than do long-time runners. Veterans’ muscles are obviously more accustomed to regular exertion, and experienced runners know to ease into their runs. In contrast, as I said previously, beginners often start their runs too quickly. Sharp pains in your stomach might also be from something as simple as eating too soon before a run. This is another reason that beginners might experience stitches more than veterans because new runners often haven’t learned how long they need to wait to eat after running or what foods don’t mix well with their running.
The good news is that side stitches aren’t a serious sort of problem, unlike if your foot starts throbbing a mile into most runs. If you get a side stitch, stop and walk. Concentrate on taking deep breaths. Exhale forcibly with your lips pursed. The stitch will usually go away in a minute or two. Then review how long ago you ate before your run and what you ate. Also, assess whether you began your run at an easy pace and increased your speed gradually only after you felt warmed up.
This theory sounds right to me because beginners get stitches more often than do long-time runners. Veterans’ muscles are obviously more accustomed to regular exertion, and experienced runners know to ease into their runs. In contrast, as I said previously, beginners often start their runs too quickly. Sharp pains in your stomach might also be from something as simple as eating too soon before a run. This is another reason that beginners might experience stitches more than veterans because new runners often haven’t learned how long they need to wait to eat after running or what foods don’t mix well with their running.
The good news is that side stitches aren’t a serious sort of problem, unlike if your foot starts throbbing a mile into most runs. If you get a side stitch, stop and walk. Concentrate on taking deep breaths. Exhale forcibly with your lips pursed. The stitch will usually go away in a minute or two. Then review how long ago you ate before your run and what you ate. Also, assess whether you began your run at an easy pace and increased your speed gradually only after you felt warmed up.
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