running with a stitch

[Chris Nagel]

Bump.

When ever I feel the onset of a stitch, I watch my breathing pace. I might slow down just a smidge, and make sure that my breathing is in sync with my steps. I somewhat think that feeling a stitch in my side to be an indicator if my pace is too fast and my breathing is off pace.

[HerbM]

Breathing again. This is why the Army sings while they run, to ensure everyone exhales fully.

Try counting breaths, 4 steps out, 4 steps in. Do it before you feel discomfort, either breathless or pain.

If 4 is too much or too little, use a different count, Exhale 2 3 4 5, Inhale 2 3 4 5. See how far you can work up the count. (Some people get to a dozen pretty easily, some can do 20 counts with practice.)

[Andre]

I think touching your toes while exhaling helps some.

[Kel]

I always got a stitch when I drank too much water. By that I mean gulping down a shitload as fast as I could, I found sipping small amounts helped a great deal.