Stitches / Cramps - advice needed

Taltos

Hi

know I am not in the same league as most of the posters here but hoping to take advantage of the knowledge you have.

Been running for around a year again now; just for my own pleasure. Have completed 2 10k runs in the last few months and am considering doing a half marathon next year. - Also if it matters am just past mid 30s.

Mondays - gym - cardio and some weights (mainly cardio).
Tuesdays - run (jog) 6 to 10 k; do the 6k normally in just under 30min; best time just over 27.
Wed or Thur - cycle to and from work - 10miles each way.
Weekends - recover / cycle with wife / short jog. Was kayaking - but need to get back into that.

But... Last 2 wks on the Tue run I have been getting bad stitches/cramps. Start in my chest - but run through that.
Then after 3 k - in my stomach
And this week started out good and strong - was intent on doing the 6k in under 27 min. Ran thru the normal stitches in chest - but at the 3k mark or there abouts got a god almighty stitch/cramp across my stomach and back (???) had me bent over. Walked them off for a minute and then jogged to the end - but with lesser pain - and a lot less speed. Came in at 30min.
Went to the gym then on Thursday after the wed cycle and again found just keeping a pace of 12k on the m/c near impossible to maintain beyond 5 minutes without stitches starting up again.

Breakfast on the tues is
> 1 or 2 portions of fruit.
> 1 coffee; 2 teas.
> Around 1 ltr of water.
> Run then at lunchtime.

So - sorry for the long post - but any tips or advice would be great.

Taltos

Any advice on this?

thebouldwhacker

I had to drop a race last year due to a recurring stitch, no matter what I did I couldn't shake it, I could cycle for 200k no bother, stay doing weights for hours but as soon as I'd start running I'd have to pull up after a mile or so. I never figured out what specifically caused it, I ended up not running for about 3 months because of it.
Now I go to great lengths to warm up properly and 'belly breath' if I feel any tightening... but that's just me, if in doubt get it checked out.

Taltos

Funny you should mention the breathing - been a bit congested but did not really notice until this week...

Cheers - will keep an eye on it. Know what you mean though - v frustrating.