Monday, March 16, 2009

Stitches and Disappointment


Well, I just got back from my first attempt to run outdoors. I was so pumped up, self-motivated and just KNEW I could make that 3 miles I had planned on. I'm usually pretty good at pushing through the pain and getting to the other side (unless it has to do with the burning in my abs during aerobics...lol)! Anyway, I set off earlier with a great Workout playlist on my iPod, my new runners, and high expectations for myself!

So, I start, I'm feeling great, enjoying the beautiful weather and feeling pretty proud of myself. Exactly a mile and a half into the run, my side starts hurting a little bit, but nothing I couldn't push through and ignore. I even ran for a little ways with my right hand in the air, really focusing on my breathing, to no avail.

The stitch in my right side just got worse and worse until I absolutely couldn't run any further.

And I was so disappointed; my legs felt great, I was making good time, and I could have made it, I know I could have. I know this is only my first run outdoors and I will have many more opportunities to accomplish my goal. My worry is the race I'm running in late April with some friends. I do NOT want to be the "one" who has to stop and walk! I want to prove to myself and to others I can do this.

So, for those of you with experience with running, how to you avoid getting those horrible stitches in your side. I only ever get them on my right side, but they hurt SO BAD!

Any advice would be warmly welcomed!

Happy running!

14 comments:

  1. I push as hard as I can with my fingers right in to where the stitch is hurting me. Seems to help. Also, I avoid eating or a large drink before running.

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  2. GOOD JOB!!!!!!! I am so proud of you I am going to try running this afternoon myself. i will call you the next time we go,if I survive. LOL

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  3. TT:

    The last 1/8 mile, I did that and it did help! I wanted to finish with running so I tried it and it did help. And right before I left, I did have two pieces of banana nut bread and a glass of water, so maybe that was part of the problem. Thanks for the suggestions! I'm not giving up!

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  4. When I read "stitches" I thought that meant you had fallen and had to go get stitches! I was really worried. I have ZERO running tips for you! :) Sorry

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  5. Girl, I couldn't run around the block without getting stitches!! I admire you; keep it up, and I am sure it will get better!

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  6. I always make sure it has been 30 minutes since I ate or drank anything. This keeps them at bay most of the time. Other than that, I try the breathing thing - in through my nose, out my mouth slowly. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't. Hang in there, you'll get it next time.

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  7. Did you drink any cokes today? It seems like every time I have stitches, I can pinpoint a diet coke!! Stupid DIET COKES!! But, oh, how I love them!!:)

    You did good girl! Keep at it! You should run with me so you can get a good boost of confidence!! I'm SLOW!!

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  8. agree with everyone who said not to eat or drink right before - that always does it to me!

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  9. I suggest to modify your pace. Somewhere I read or watched a report on running and the expert pin pointed pace to control cramps in your side. If you start too fast they will get you. I think if you follow TT's suggestion and modify your pace just a little, your results will be awesome. My first outdoor run was bad also. But the second was fulfilling. So fill it up Jenkins and enjoy the second one.

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  10. Slow your pace down, get your breathing under control. Deep breaths if you can in through nose out mouth. The reason you get side stich is because your breathing is to ieregular. Really focuse on getting your pace and breathing together, if that means you need to slow your pace down it is fine you will eventuly build your stamina,,,You go girl, I am running beach to bay in may, you should join! www.active.com- good source of running info

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  11. Supposedly breathing in and out into your hand/shirt will fix it (I guess CO2?). Now whether or not it actually works, that's another story. You will appreciate who gave me that advice...Coach Anthon. Haha.

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  12. hey girl, I'm with Corrie and Deb, I thought you meant stiches as in I fell and I hurt myself and I had to get stiches and I am disappointed (did I spell that right?) and I have nothin to give you I can't even run in the backyard.

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  13. Just wanted to invite you to join my photo challenge next week- would love to have you play!

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Comment away, y'all!