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Louise W.
Louise W. Sendmail

New to DM, hi :)

posted 4 months ago | Report

Hey :) I'm new to DM and jogging/running really, I'm 21 and from Yorkshire, England and my job is pretty much desk based for 10 hours a day! I walk about 3 miles 3-4 times a week and swim twice a week but would really love to be able to run! I know it sounds silly but I just can't run for longer than 5-10 minutes without getting a stitch!

I'm hoping to increase my fitness and by the summer time, be going for jogs 3-4 times a week instead of walks.

Anybody else in a similar situation?

Thanks,
Louise

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15 posts

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  • Travis F.
    Travis F. Sendmail

    Certainly have been! You might find value in building up through the Couch to 5k program (although it sounds like you already have a good cardio base as a swimmer), or a Galloway run/walk program. Easy finds on Google. I'd bet that with a steady schedule you'll be able to build up in no time. Focusing on improving your breathing can help with those stitches.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Don M.
    Don M. Sendmail

    I will second what Travis said - look into Couch to 5K. I know of a LOT of people (including myself and my wife) that have used this intro to running program successfully.

    As far as the stitches go, those will go away with time, you just have to keep at it. Get your breathing under control and keep in consistent. Erratic breathing is what is likely causing your stitches.

    And finally, when just starting out, don't try going too fast! Run at a nice easy pace where you can still hold a conversation. You're not concerned with speed right now, you are just focused on getting your body conditioned for running for a longer period of time and distance. If you care about speed, worry about that later.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Gil R.
    Gil R. Sendmail

    Those 10 hour desk-days are killers! You made the right choice to start running. Don't worry about your stitches - they will go away as you progress. The run/walk method is practiced by novices and experienced runners alike. I used it in my first marathon, walking for 1 minute after every 4 minutes of running. We were far from winning, but my best friend and I did finish our first marathon together. Pretty soon you won't even use the j-word (jogging - yikes!)

    posted 4 months ago

  • Michael T.PRO
    Michael T. Sendmail

    Right there with you Louise! FR Sent!

    posted 4 months ago

  • FegrigPRO
    Fegrig Sendmail

    FR sent encouragement on its way

    posted 4 months ago

  • Savan R.
    Savan R. Sendmail

    C25K is the best option you have. FR sent.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Laura J
    Laura J Sendmail

    Welcome, Louise! FR sent.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Kellie I.
    Kellie I. Sendmail

    Hey! I'm am in a similar situation. I walk a whole bunch, but could never run for very long (I couldn't run 2 minutes without having to stop). I started a similar running program to the couch to 5k , but its an 8 week program to run 30 minutes straight without stopping. I am ending week 6 and I am feeling fantastic! I ran my first 5 miler today. You can do it!
    FR sent!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Trekchick
    Trekchick Sendmail

    C25K got me started. Loved the program and now I love to run. Running used to feel like a chore because I couldn't run for very long without stopping but now it's a pleasure. Good luck on your journey. FR sent!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Amy D.
    Amy D. Sendmail

    Welcome! FR sent. I agree with your responses. Try couch to 5K.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Sang Y.
    Sang Y. Sendmail

    You are off to a great start! I know many people do the Couch to 5k but just slowly add some jogging to your walks alternating periods of walking and jogging. FR sent!

    posted 3 months ago

  • Michael G.
    Michael G. Sendmail

    Welcome and FR sent! Anyone feel free to add me as well :)

    posted 3 months ago

  • Terry B.
    Terry B. Sendmail

    I used to get stitches when I first started and I believe most people have. Some people don't work through it. I read some where it has something to do with your breathing. Don't give up . I haven't had anymore since when I first started. FR sent.

    posted 3 months ago

  • Em D.
    Em D. Sendmail

    I'm with you, Louise. Trying to get to a place where I am running more than walking or jogging. Sent you a FR, welcome to DM!

    posted 3 months ago

  • Corrie
    Corrie Sendmail

    Hey Louise! Welcome to DM!

    I am the same way! I always get a horrible side stitch on my right side within the first few minutes of my run. I've tried everything- different breathing techniques, making sure I was hydrated before a run, stretching, exhaling when my right foot hits the ground. Nothing works for me. When I ran my first 8k I had the worst pain I've ever experienced, but by mile 2 it was gone. Now I try my best to ignore it and once I get into my run it goes away on its own.

    Like you, I'm also starting to get into running. My workouts have mostly been swimming mixed with weight lifting/training. I would like to do more races so I am trying to get into the habit of running regularly. I just can't run 3-4 miles straight so I alternate running and walking until I can build up my endurance.

    Just start slow and listen to your body. Good luck with your running routine and do not get discouraged!

    posted 3 months ago

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