Question:

I have a tendency to get side stitches when I run – usually at the end of the run. I don’t run particularly quickly, and frankly, don’t push myself too, too hard, but I am definitely tired by the end of a run.  I usually do 3-4 miles at a 10 minute pace.  My question is how the heck do I get rid of these darn cramps?  They can double me over they hurt so much, and always seem to be worse when I run in a race and push myself harder. If I could stop them, I feel as though my last mile or two could be so much better. And it would be nice to cross the finish line thinking about how good I feel rather than thinking about the pain in the my side. For the first time yesterday I didn’t get them til about 2 blocks away from the finish line, which was a nice change of pace, usually I run with a killer cramp for at least a mile.  I am going to work on increasing my abdominal strength but didn’t know what other options might be out there.  I have no doubt this subject has been "run" into the ground, but I haven’t been around the newsgroup for years, so I’m hoping you’ll give me a refresher course…. Heather

Response:

I have a tendency to get side stitches when I run – usually at the end of the run. I don’t run particularly quickly, and frankly, don’t push myself too, too hard, but I am definitely tired by the end of a run.  I usually do 3-4 miles at a 10 minute pace.  My question is how the heck do I get rid of these darn cramps?

This may not even help you at all, but a running acquaintance got help from a regime of running (a little bit faster than usual) until the stitch appeared, and breathing in as deeply as possible and while swinging both arms up to catch in as much air as possible He

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