Side Stitches While Running?
 

Hello everyone!
I have been running for my exercise lately since the weather has cooled down and it is enjoyable again. I have been getting really bad side stitches on and off for a couple weeks now and I don't have any clue whats causing it. It seems to be totally random, one day I wont have a problem and the next it hurts so bad that I can barely even walk!

I stretch out before running, don't eat right before and my water intake is fine. I have also tried varying speeds and am still having the problem. Anyone have any suggestions for me to try?

Is it both sides?Or just one?

Usually its my left that hurts, but every now and then the pain migrates over to my right as well.

Try to focus on your breathing. I find long deep breaths (thank you, yoga!) help avoid side stitched better than short, choppy breaths. Slow down if you have to.

I've been told also to press on the abdomen right above where the side stitch is. For me this works about 30% of the time, but it's better than nothing :)

I agree it's the breathing, your breahing is probably too shallow...

When you breathe try and breathe with your stomach going in and out not your shoulders going up and down. Not sure if that makes sense or not but that allows for greater intake of oxygen as well.

I'd look at breathing pattern, as well. If you're breathing in when X foot (right OR left) hits the ground, switch which foot hits. Or, better, breathe every other stride (this time right, next time left).