I LOVE to run and would like to do more of it. But what stops me is that I get stitches in my side very easily- I'm talking about going 1/8th of a mile and then I have to walk because my side is in pain. I don't eat right before- I wait usually about 45 minutes to 1 hour. I do drink water a lot, but I can't just not drink for an hour just because I'm going running.

So, what causes these stitches and how do I stop it? Should I do some sort of ab stretching beforehand or what?

Haha, at first I thought that you meant that you had gotten stitches and couldn't run, and I was thinking, "well, just wait until you get them taken out!"

Anyway to address your questions, whenever I feel a stitch coming on, I adjust my breathing and breathe deeply through my nose and out through my mouth.

Also, re: eating... I generally need a good 2-3 hours after eating before I'm ready to run unless it's like just a piece of fruit or an energy bar.

The stitches is caused from drinking water. Do not drink water 1.5 hours before you run.

I run after 1.5 hours of eating/drinking. Also, if you're running and you feel the pain, take a deep breath at least 5 times.. (Inhale deeply and then exhale). It'll go away.

Ok, I've tried going without water for an hour before. It's hard for me (I drink a lot of water) but the stitches do go away. Thank you for your help!