Oh my Aching...........

“side.
I seem to be getting side aches when I try and push it whle running. They always start in my right side, then go to my left side and end up in the center of my abs. By the time I'm done running I'm a big cramping ball. Once they start there is no turning back. What causes this and how do I stop it?”

“Are you getting enough potassium?

Also, how's your breathing technique? Lactic acid build up causes cramping and soreness, but it sounds more like you are getting sudden, sharp ones...stretch well before running to boost blood flow to the muscles and ensure proper oxygenation.
or you could just stop running...somebody chasing you?
;o)”

“Another thing to is, as soon as it starts hurting, raise both arms over your head. It will stop in seconds. What that does, is opens your lungs up better and the sharp pain goes away.”

“Is that the same side where the aliens planted a probe when you were abducted?”

“Walkindude,

I've tried the arms over the head treatment before. I hailed two taxis, had one person call 911 and embarrassed my running partner enough that she hesitates when I call to schedule a long run. It is hard to run with both arms over head and not look like there is a dire emergency. And, it doesn't work on the side stitch.”

“For me, It doesn't work FOR ME. I have heard some people say it works for them.”

“It works for me. I've showed it to others and it worked on them too.”

“Maybe it is running induced appendicitis. I'm not a doctor but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express once.”

“Try doing exercises to reinforce your abs, espacially if you sometimes get back aches. Running (and walking) tend to weaken abdominal muscles. Good luck.”

“Drink more, water that is. It may help and can?t hurt. Otherwise, back off the intensity a little and let whatever is injured heal. Or as Amy said it may just be sore diaphragm muscles it with case backing off the intensity would let them heal and rebuild strength. You may be going for to much to fast.”

“Deathmarch,

I was being a little silly there...but seriously, I don't think that anybody knows the cause/cure for side stitches. I can go out for a run and get a stitch in less than a mile. But there are times that I have run 15-20 without any sign of that dreaded stabbing! Some people say drinking water helps, but I always drink the same amount (a lot). Some people swear by a good warm up first--working in to it gradually. I have never been able to figure out what I might be doing to get them. They are just an evil part of running. At least they don't happen all the time. Good Luck.”