Runners please help me!

[SentientCushion]

I have been running for about a year and a half, I usually run around 5k 3 times a week and don't usually have any issues but the last two runs I've done since coming back off holiday last week I have had to stop due to a horrendous side stitch. I've never ever had this before and I was running so so slowly. I'm assuming it's my break but I only missed a week of running.

Any advice??

Does it ease like a normal stitch i.e. there's nothing more sinister about it?

I've been running for ages and I still occasionally get them. I've never mapped it to a particular pattern of speed/food intake/etc. I just run through it (while wiggling and stretching a little).

Is it so bad you physically have to stop? Or is it more the worry that makes you stop?

Yeah when I stop running it goes away but then the minute I start again it comes back.

I haven't been able to run through it as it's agony

Not sure why it's happening, but when it does you could try stopping, taking slow deep breaths, the next stretch up the arm on the sore side and take more deep breaths. As it settles begin walking then running.
I read once that breathing in for 2 and out for 3 can help (or any similar ratio) as then you are breathing in on alternate foot strikes. Might be worth a try!

Might also be worth remembering to breathe with your tummy rather than your chest. You can practise in the shower or before going to sleep - try to breathe so that your chest doesn't move. This will loosen up your abdominal area and stop anything getting squashed.

I've actually just experienced the same thing and I think it might be bowel cramp

Oooh, do you have toilet issues with running?

I can succumb to the odd bout of painful windiness and I remember it happening during a team sport (so I couldn't stop/give up). I honestly felt faint and dizzy. As soon as the match was over, I went to the loo and the relief was instant (obviously).

I need to practise doing big farts on court without it showing on my face