Hi everyone,

Courtesy of a Google search I have been directed here and, having had a read through several people's stories, think I may need to contribute some of my own problems!
Having just found employment as a pilot, I am now required to obtain a medical certificate every year from now on for the rest of my flying career. There are no specific areas dictating what exercise I must do and when I must do it, but I thought to myself that this may be a turning point in my life when I should start thinking more seriously about taking better care of myself!
I used to be a keen runner a few years back at high school, but as life became busier I found that I just didn't have the time or motivation to keep up with it.
So earlier on today I decided to have another go and have a run down to the roundabout at the bottom of the main road near where I live and back, a return journey of about one mile. No probs, I thought, it's a nice day! Oh dear, was I in for a self shocker... Less than about 90 seconds into getting settled into a steady pace, I just started to ache all around my abdominal area; best described as a 'stitch' that is in the stomach area as opposed to the side. It was very frustrating, as in cardiovascular and muscular terms I was all raring to go, no problems, but I just found it impossible to run with this pain.

So I'm left wondering, is this a common problem - did it result from not warming up properly? I gave my legs a good stretch but forgot to twist my body and do a few sit ups - is this advisable? Or am I simply pushing myself too hard?

Physically I am at a good weight for my height and quite strong - the other day I even found myself in a situation where I had to jump and land from a 10 ft. height with no problems! And in short bursts I am very agile, it's only specifically running where I encounter this problem within a couple of minutes but I really want to get into this sport as I believe that it is one of the healthiest forms of exercise around, and most importantly, I feel that if I can build into a steady routine, it is something that I will come to really enjoy as well.

All advice will be greatly appreciated, and thanks for taking the time to read a somewhat long winded post!

All the best, Jason.

Take it easy.
It will come eventually

Hi welcome to the forum.

Are you setting out too quickly?

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A loser is not the one who runs last in the race. It's the one who sits and watches and who has never tried to run.
Bird in Boots Oh what have I done FLM09

Hi welcome to the forum.

Are you setting out too quickly?

__________________
A loser is not the one who runs last in the race. It's the one who sits and watches and who has never tried to run.
Bird in Boots Oh what have I done FLM09

Hi,

The obvious answer is that you went off too quick....you need to allow your body to get used to running again and therefore should take it easy to start with and gradually build up pace and distance.

Don't worry about TT...She's always repeating herself!!!!

Don't worry about TT...She's always repeating herself!!!![/quote]


I don't know how that happened

__________________
A loser is not the one who runs last in the race. It's the one who sits and watches and who has never tried to run.
Bird in Boots Oh what have I done FLM09

I don't know how that happened [/quote]

You've found a way of doubling your posts though......brilliant!

Welcome to the forum, Runaway

The odd wierd pain / ache when you've just started running is not uncommon. It'll more than likely fade with a little time, meanwhile you could try starting off slower & see if that helps.

I get stitches too, does anyone know if sit-ups or other abdominal exercises help reduce these?

Although 'Stitch' usually occurs at the side of the abdomen it can also occur in the middle, which you describe as the stomach area. To quote Vivian Grisogono: "The ligament linking your diaphragm to your digestive system can become tense during exercises which put vibrating stress through your abdomen, like running. Other causes include gas in the bowel, or liver congestion".
I never do any of the warm-up exercises you suggest. Try setting off very slowly, at least for the first half mile, then gradually wind it up to your optimum pace. If you get stitch, stop if you have to, breathe deeply and stretch your abdomen, away from the painful side. Some runners alleviate it by controlling their breathing and leaning forward as they continue to run. It could be partly psychological too, i.e. the stress associated with starting something new. God forgive me for ever suggesting this, but an Mp3 player might help to settle your mind in the early stages of taking up running.
So persevere with it, but take it gently in the initial stages. I'm sure you'll be OK once your body and mind have adapted to it.
Oh, and welcome to the forum.
Cheers!
PS. If I were to jump ten feet I'd probably never run again!

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Give me the hills!

Whilst on the subject of stitches last night, as we came towards the end of training...and testosterone kicked in for the final 200m...I suffered a stitch for the first time since I don't know when.

Previously when suffering a stitch I've recovered by controlled breathing and leaning forward as RF says.

I am the same as Foxy, I don't warm up prior to running either I set off slowly and pick up pace as I warm up and even when I have finished running I don't stretch until I have had a shower, which by the way is straight away

I do however suffer with stitches and there are no rhyme or reason to them I can go for long spells without getting them and then I will get a spate of them, I have tried several things to stop them, the one I find most effective is to slow my pace and punch out breaths, it doesn't cure it completely but does help, mine can last for a few miles

__________________
A loser is not the one who runs last in the race. It's the one who sits and watches and who has never tried to run.
Bird in Boots Oh what have I done FLM09

I get that now and again, but i think its due to tensing up too, i get it at different stages, it lasts for about 5 mins then goes, but its never that painful to stop.

I had it too last night but i know its down to not controlling my breathing properly, and suffering with a cold still doesnt help.

Or reps or hill training

I'd blame the trainer if I were you.....

Hahahahaha We have you on record now, RF

Actually I love my MP3 player, especially when I'm commuting or camping wild. The only time I've used it for running is when training for mountain running events on long (1 mile) hard (1 in 4) hills. At such times I'm able to pace it better while listening to music.
Cheers!

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Give me the hills!