Runners-a walk break question

I've been running for a while now and I STILL get friggin side stitches that HURT. I get really down on myself if I can't get through them and have to walk for a minute.

I would love to say that my body is just NOT used to running but I used to get them dancing and on track, so basically, it has nothing to do with my body not being used to the activity. It's just my body.

So my question is this. Do you ever just need to stop for a minute during a run? I just feel like a failure if I walk for a minute, like I'm not *truly* running.

Re: Runners-a walk break question

sometimes i have to walk during a long run and i think that is fine. you are still moving and that has to be good.

Re: Runners-a walk break question

I know how you feel! I feel that way sometimes but a woman at my gym told me to take a deep breath in and then breathe out 3 short breaths quickly. I did and it worked. I feel stupid sometimes doing it but, it works. She claims is too much carbon dioxcide in my system.

Also, if I don't drink enough water throughout the day, I will get them then too!

Re: Runners-a walk break question

Yes I take breaks! Sometimes during a long run I just need a break or if there is a hill I need a break for a minute. I took several breaks during my runs for marathon trainnig and I still did great!

Also for side stiches, I find I get them when I increase my running. Well like if I am only running 1-2 times a week and then I start doing 3-4 days a week I notice them. I also notice them to come more in the summer when I run after work. I never get them on an early saturday run. Ok so I try to drink a lot of water during the day. If I do get a stitch then I either walk or slow my run and press on it really hard while breathing in. Like take a deep breath and press on it or massage it, hold your breath and then exhale deeply. Repeat this 3-4 times and then again a few minutes later if its still there! Hope that helps! Dont worry about the walk breaks either! your heart rate is still up during those breaks! I have also heard it is better for fat burning to raise/lower your heart rate during workouts!

Re: Runners-a walk break question

First, i'm sure you have tried this but side stitches for me have always been linked to hydration issues...either over or under hydrated. Once I figured it out, I rarely get them and if I do I know why. Hunching over works and pushing your fingers into it also helps...

Second, walk breaks are completely fine! Of course you can walk and you are still a great runner. It's better to walk then to try to run through and be miserable. I do stop from time to time, however most of my stop/walk breaks are because of traffic lights in my area. However if i'm running and having a tough time or something doesn't feel right I most definitely take a moment to walk it out or rest/recover.

This morning I did 12 miles and took a break in the restroom at a local Starbucks...sometimes you just gotta stop!

Re: Runners-a walk break question

I always associated side stiches with eating/drinking too close to running. I don't get them, so I'm not much help.

I will occassionally stop to drink or fill up water bottles or up a steep hill during a really long run. But there are marathoners who run a mile and walk a minute as a strategy. There are also plenty of elite runners (sub 2:20 marathoners who walk during water stations to refuel properly) - so if they walk - I think the rest of us can too.