Getting stitch during a run sucks!

Up until  a few weeks ago I never got stitch when running, I don’t really get blisters either (yes I know that’s pretty lucky!).  However the last few weeks I am getting stitch to some degree on most of my runs and its sucks.

I thought stitch was related to running too soon after eating, but I have run on an empty stomach and still get stitch, grrrrr!  It turns out that I was wrong, I just saw this in a running magazine.

“Unsteady, shallow breathing can lead to stiches  – spasms in the diaphram” - says physiotherapist Scott Michell

This makes sense as the stitches are less serve more recently (as I get fitter).  There are 3 tips:

1. Breath Deep - When the stitch starts to kick in, take a deep breath, then hold your breath for 3 seconds before breathing out slowly.
2. Think about footfall - Your stitch can be made worse when organs such as the liver and stomach on the right hand side of the body bang against your diaphragm.  You can ease this by breathing out as your left foot strikes the ground.
3. Rethink what and when you eat - A full stomach bounces around more when running so keep pre-run food light and give yourself at least 1 hour to digest.

I have heard the second one before and it really does help, hopefully the others will keep stitch at bay if it kicks in.