Running advice needed - side pain

 Hi - I am new to this board. I am currently training for a marathon but having some trouble. After I get warmed up and start going full pace for about 10-15 minutes, I get a terrible stitch in my right side. Its more than a stitch actually. It is a cramp that goes from just below my right breast to the top of my right hip. It only goes away if I slow down to a regular walk for about five minutes. I have tried everything when it comes to eating and drinking. Not eating before I run, eating right before I run. Not drinking before/while I run, drinking (not gulping) while I run. I also stretch before and after I run and warm up/cool down. I am at a loss. Any suggestions? It makes it really difficult to train for endurance when I have to kill my pace. 

Hi Jessica!

I also get a side stitch if I start out too strong.  Have you tried running a really slow pace for about half a mile?  I usually have to do that for the sake of my bodily problems that require a slow start up!  After about half a mile, I can bump up the speed a bit and I notice a huge difference. 

Good luck on your marathon!  When is it?

Deanna  :)

Thanks for the reply. I should try that. I just get really busy and try to squeeze in the longest run possible so I try to hit my pace as quickly as I can get warmed up and get in the most distance possible in the time I have. But of course, once the cramp hits my distance is screwed anyway. 

I am doing the Chicago marathon in a few weeks. I am not looking to place, just to finish. I am really scared though because I am behind on my training. But I don't care if it takes me all day, I will finish. 

Thanks again!

Jessica

Hi Jessica

Have you tried doing a salt shot before running?  I have done salt shots during my long runs (10+ miles) at about the 6 mile mark and those seem to help a lot with regards to cramps.  Maybe if you do a salt shot before running that may help?

I'm not talking a huge amount either, just one of those fast food restraurant packets is fine.

Good luck

Brian
~350

I've never heard of a salt shot. So, just down a salt packet? That sounds gross but better than the cramp. Would these work just as well: http://www.powerbar.com/Products/PowerGel/
They are supposed to have these at stations in the marathon. 10g of sugar usually doesn't bother me. I would try it pre-marathon though. 

Thanks for the reply!

It sounds to me like you are not breathing deeply enough.  When you feel it comming on exhale with forceful breaths.  This will empty your lungs and let new fresh air in.  Do it 5 or 6 times every third breath or so.  What I mean is to do one forceful breath and two regular.  Then do another and two more regular.  I think that will help.

 I tried it and I think it helped! Woo hoo!!! I just did a 2 hr run and 15 minutes in I started getting the cramp but it didn't get nearly as bad and I was able to fight it off several other times when I felt it coming on later in the run. Can it really be as easy as breathing right? Thanks!!

When you have real "cramping" it is usually associated with dehydration or lack of some minerals.  That is what I get after a long hot run or any marathon.  The breathing thing seems so simple but if you are not aware of the problem it's a real pain in the butt.  I went through 4 years of high school sports with that problem and nobody ever had the answer.  A one sentence blurb in Runners World held the answer. 

I'm glad it helped.

I would also say it's your diaphram...

It's too early in your workout to be a salt issue.

I used to get this and found it was two things - 1) I needed to drink more water and 2) I needed to breathe deeper in and out - really take in air and really puff it out all the way - get rid of the Carbon monoxide out of the lungs. Try breating on a two count - two in and two out.....consistently. And drinking water before and during never bothered me - it helps.