Side Stitches & Sweat & Breathing....

I went on my 2nd run with my new group. I LOVE this group! They are so nice. And, today several people joined us that didn't run on Monday. And, one of them was slower than me! It just makes me feel better as I was afraid I was going to cause problems because of my speed. The coaches come back & check on us & then run ahead...well, I didn't want to be the only one way behind!

So, I got some pretty bad side stitches...twice! This is the 3rd time in about a week. I have only had them a few times before. Is it the heat? Because I'm pushing my pace?

The head coach happened to run to me while I was having one of my stitches. I've heard about changing the breathing & that didn't seem to help. But, she had me reach my arm straight up on the side of the stitch then stretch over to the other direction...and it really helped!

Another tip the coach gave us was to wipe the sweat way so the body doesn't have to work so hard! Again, it was about 85 when we started running & 90 when I finished my 4 miles....ugh!

She also told me I need to breathe in through my nose & out through my mouth. I just use my nose! I think this might help, but I also think it makes me thirstier!

I am debating about my long 6 miler coming up. If I did it with this group it'd be about 8:40 in 85-90 degree temps with quite a bit of sunshine. With my other group, it'd be at 6:15 am (so leave house at 5:50) in dark & upper 70's to low 80's & a lot less sun. It would also be around more people, have a water station, and I'd see more people while running. But the Friday group is SO much more fun & we hang out & talk before & after the run. Tough decision!

I'll let you know what I decide. But, for tomorrow, I do my swim evaluation & lesson with my coach! I'm excited!