I have been running for 8 years now and I should know by now how to get rid of the stitch. During yesterday’s triathlon, I had a real nasty stitch that came and went around and at one point almost doubled me over. It could have been because I had a couple of goos about a half hour into the 1.10 hr bike ride. I have read how to get rid of those. Do you have any suggestions on how to get rid of it, maybe stop for a couple of minutes and run away and maybe the stitch would never come back? I appreciate any advice that you might have. Thanks! Bye!
I used to have the same thing happen to me, even as early as during the swim. In my case it was a spasm of the diaphram. I tried everything. Finally I sat down with my new coach and we contributed to being constantly dehydrated. I increased my water intake throughout the day and started to follow a HR strategy. The stich has been gone this whole season. I was just dehydrated and pushed too hard thus causing the diaphram to spasm. Hope this helps.
I’ve been plagued with this problem too. What seems to work for me is some controlled breathing. Try taking some deep breaths through your nose, and slowly exhaling. Not always easy to do, but it seems to help.
You’ll look ridiculous but reach your arm up on the side it hurts - helps to stretch it.
The best way is to avoid them in the first place… make sure you’re hydrated and your electrolyte levels are good.
As you heel strike on the opposite side of the stitch yell loudly as you exhale. Do this several times in a row. You’ll attract a lot of attention to yourself and look like a total idiot, but it gets rid of the stitch for me.
Stand on your head and eat a spoonful of honey while humming “she’ll be coming around the mountain”, then hold your breath for 30 seconds…oh, wait that’s my sure fire cure for hiccups.
Point is, there are as many “remedies” for side stitches are there are for hiccups. No one really knows why they happen or truly how to get rid of them. Just keep going it will go away eventually.