Side stitches in marathon-- help please

Hmmm...tough problem. You need to take fluids for the 26.2, especially Boston because it can get warm. And early is more important that later.

I suggest sticking just with water, the sugars in Gatoraid prob wont help your problem.

Also, if cramps do appear, a technique I learned from highschool: Sit down and do 3-4 slow situps. It sounds stupid, but works for awhile (then repeat when the cramps come back), I think it helps to flush the muscles. It wont do anything for your time, but some of those stitches will slow you down to a Gallowalk and this will take 5 seconds to get back on track.

Good luck on Monday!

I have the same problem and it caused me to DNF a marathon late last year. I know a side stitch is a pretty flimsy excuse to DNF a marathon but this was an absolutely debilitating stitch and it would not go awasy no matter what I tried. I ran another marathon early this year and solved the problem by taking gels at miles 8 and 15 and alternating between gatorade and water at the aid stations through 15 miles. After mile 15 I took only water. I also ran fairly conxervaive through those first 15 miles in order not to be under much physical stress while trying to digest the carbs. At about mile 18 I picked up the pace considerably and finished very strong (3:06 in Birmingham, mountainous course).

I had the same problem and some weird advice was giving to me, but it has worked every time. Take two breaths in per two strides, and then exhale slowly. Try to concentrate the oxygen to the area of the stitch by expanding your stomach.

I also work through the side stitchwith my hand. While runnin apply strong pressure to the stitch area and massage it.

You don't need that many calories sub 3hr so gu might be your best bet. If you can get a couple down thats 200 calories thats as much as 32 ounces of gatorade.

keep your breathing as even and smooth as possible. probably slow down a little while you're drinking so you aren't gasping for air and chugging fluids at the same time.

if you get a stitch, the old trick is to breathe out forcefully when your foot opposite to the side of the stitch hits the ground. That has worked well for me a couple times.

I have had a side ache just about force me out of a race, and it did force me to stop about four times. People who haven't experienced a bad one really have no idea how paiful it can be. It literally hurt me for a full week afterwards.

Good luck in the race.

I have the same problem and have tried almost everything. The route cause is the sugar in the energy drinks/gels, prior or during the race. Especially the drinks.

Any suggestions on how to get enough carbs without the usual Gatorade or Gu? Is there a product out there that is "stomach friendly"?

Carry your water with you and sip slowly and regularly.

Carry a small bottle and top it up on the run.