Starting to run but having terrible lower abdomen pain???????

I've just started running about a month ago, and now I've worked up to being able to run about 3 miles a time (in about 35 minutes with just a tiny amount of walking). 

The problem is, about half way through, I get this terrible pain in the right side of my abdomen, and it makes it really hard and painful to run!  Almost right away after I stop running (or take a break from it) the pain stops, but as soon as I start up again the pain starts! 

I really need to run to tone up my whole lower body (a high impact excercise) but I don't know what do do about this pain?  Are there some tricks to make it go away or not even get it?

Can anyone help me? 

P.S. I jog in the morning after I get up, and I don't eat before I start jogging, but I didn't think this would make a difference because the pain feels like it is in a muscle...

Sounds like you have a classic runner's side stitch.  I used to get these when I ran, especially when I first started.  It tends to be related to how you're breathing -- try to breathe a bit more deeply and slowly -- in through your nose and out your mouth.  A good trick I learned from a fellow runner is to always have a jacket or extra shirt with you ( you can tie it around your waist).  When the stitch hits, tie the shirt or jacket around the waist nipping it in at the area that hurts as tightly as you can stand.  It really does help -- I got through many runs with this trick. 

I also think eating something before you go out, even if it's just a whole grain english muffin or a banana will help.  It's been years since I've given up running due to bad knees, but I remember well how uncomfortable those side stitches were!

Good luck!

anytime that happens to me, deep belly breathing i learned in yoga helps.  you have to make sure you expand down to your navel & through your ribs. not only does it help me with any stitches, but i get a nice little oxygen high & have a bit more energy afterwards.

Ooh! I love the jacket trick--thanks!

Be careful with the breathing, though. After telling my sister, who runs, about my problem, she gave me some breathing methonds; inhale through your nose and blow out through pursed lips, like you're blowing out candles on a cake.

Well, I tried this right when I got a stitch and it didn't help much. So, I kept doing it, over and over and deeper and deeper. By mile two, I thought I was going to pass out on the treadmill!

Just a tip for you: Slow down! I was running at over 7 miles an hour, so it was no surprise I'd get a stich so soon, so I slowed my pace down to a little over six and it helped tremendously.

Original Post by hawkeyegal:

Ooh! I love the jacket trick--thanks!

Be careful with the breathing, though. After telling my sister, who runs, about my problem, she gave me some breathing methonds; inhale through your nose and blow out through pursed lips, like you're blowing out candles on a cake.

Well, I tried this right when I got a stitch and it didn't help much. So, I kept doing it, over and over and deeper and deeper. By mile two, I thought I was going to pass out on the treadmill!

Just a tip for you: Slow down! I was running at over 7 miles an hour, so it was no surprise I'd get a stich so soon, so I slowed my pace down to a little over six and it helped tremendously.

 yes that makes sense to be careful with deep breathing. i learned to do it from yoga & usually practice it for stress reduction/relaxation as well, so my technique has been honed. you can pass out from it if not careful.

I have been running for about 5 years, and used to get stitches every so often when I'd run (an, in particular, when I'd race).  I found, like others who have replied to your post, that the stitch is directly correlated to speed and breathing.  It could be a sign that your pace is too fast -- you may want to slow down when you start to feel the stitch coming on.  I also find that breathing is very important -- make sure to take deep breaths every 3 or 4 strides (depending on your gait).  I tend to breath in through my nose and out my mouth (I don't purse my lips though).  I'm sure you'll find the pain goes away once you've figured out the right speed for your fitness level now.

Thank you for all of your reply's!  I tried running again this morning, doing the breathing and slowing my pace and it was sooooooo much better.  I did start to get a stitch, but I slowed down, and tied my jacket tight around my waist and that helped. 

Do the stitches ever go away?

When you feel the stitches hit, try slowing down and jogging on your tiptoes. It sounds weird I know but when I was running my 1.6km physical test in elementary school I used to get stitches all the time. My teacher told me to run on tiptoes and the pain actually did go away. I can't remember if it comes back when you go back to running normally but it sure helped me pass the test. =P

I don't know if you actually burn more calories running on tiptoes but it takes more effort (i think) so no harm giving it a try. =D

Also probably don't drink water right before you run. Give it a good half hour after you drink water (you still have to drink to hydrate yourself) before you start running. I find when I drink water less than ten minutes before running the stitches come more often than not.

Good luck!