Question for Runners?

Question

I want to take up running but whenever I try I get a very sharp pain in my side and need to stop. Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong and how to fix that? I really want to start a sensible running routine. Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer 1

Slow down. Run at a pace where you can always get on top of your breathing (you can feel your lungs fill). Go to a track and figure out what pace that actually is. Say it is 10:00 per mile. Start running 2 miles until you break 20:00 and don't have to stop. If you need to rest, keep running but just run slower. After you hit that target, start bumping up the mileage slowly, no more than a half mile at a shot, until you can run the new mileage at the same pace comfortably.

Don't run more than 4 times per week, and don't add mileage too quickly. You're better off progressing slowly and not tearing up your legs.

And buy good running shoes. Go to a real running store and talk to the people there, they can steer you to shoes that actually fit your style. It might cost a few bucks more, but it will be worth it.

Answer 2

what the guy said above me is correct... but to start a sensible running routine would invovle..
1. get a group of friends together with the same goal as you and start a running group. you'll be able to motivate each other and it's so much better than running on your own ALL THE TIME
2. don't just jump into running take it slow... try running 8 miles a week. break it up how you see fit i.e.
Mon: run 1.5 miles
Tues: run 1 mile
Wed: run 2 miles
Thurs: 2.5 miles
Fri: run 1 mile

then 2 weeks from that bump up your distance for that week by 1 to 2 miles (as you see fit)

keep doing that you'll be gradually getting into better shape and you won't hurt yourself/body

Answer 3

The pain in your side is commonly called "side stitches". They usually occur when you do not get sufficient oxygen into your body. Try to breath naturally and in a steady pace. Another way to prevent side stitches is stretching before your runs. Raise your right arm straight up and lean toward the left. Hold for 30 seconds, release, then stretch the other side.

Eating before you run can also cause side stitches. You should try to avoid large amounts of food (about the size of a meal) for 1-2 hours before running.

When you get them, slow down or stop completely and try to massage the area. Stretching (the one I described above) also helps.

Answer 4

A couple of things; you might be eating too soon or drinking too much just before you run. Another; you could be pushing to hard and not paying attention to your breathing. When you get a side stitch, concentrate on breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth. Your breathing should almost be rhythmic with your pace of running. You could need to stretch more before you begin- and if you get this while you run, stop, stretch it and run again; it's just your muscles getting tight and not being used to runnning just yet. Keep at it though!

Answer 5

That pain is called Side Stiches. I have recently started running and read a beginners guide to running to begin. It stated that when you have these pains, to exhale deeply each time your right foot hits when the pain is in your left side and exhale deeply each time your left foot hits when the pain is in your right side. Also, place your hands on your head with elbows back while running. Hope this helps!

Answer 6

It is a stitch. It will get less common as you get in shape. You aren't doing anything wrong. A quick trick to help with them when they show up, Breath in and then breath out through your mouth with your lips pursed. The resistance to the exhale helps.

Answer 7

YOU ARE OUT OF SHAPE MY DEAR. THAT'S THE PAIN YOU FEELON YOUR RIBS AREA, WHEN PAIN STARTS SLOW DOWN AND WALK A BET IT WILL HELP UNTIL YOU BUILD UP YOUR CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM. BEST OF LUCK.

DO A 5K THAT'S 3 MILES OR SO. ITS FUN AND YOU WILL MEET PEOPLE AT YOUR LEVEL AND WILL GET YOU MOTIVATED.