How to prevent sideaches!

[Cornflower]

Ugh, I have a huge tendency to get sideaches when I run (I am on week 5 of my program). This is driving me nuts! It starts out as a dull ache but becomes so intense that last time I actually had to stop twice to get rid of it. And as soon as I started running again, it came back so I was basically running while in pain. :brood:

I googled it awhile back and the best tip I could find was to practice deeper breathing, and to try to exhale as I land on my left foot. I swear I am working so hard at this! But I still can't beat the sideaches...grrr...any other tips I'm missing? Anyone else have this problem and found a solution?

TIA!

[Dirty Martini]

Are you eating before your run?
Are you establishing even footwork (looks like you're working on this)?
Are you drinking a lot of water before/during your run?

The thing that eventually solved my sideaches while running was actually getting new shoes. I got shoes that corrected my step (I overpronate) and voila - fixed.

[Cornflower]

Oh, thanks! I've been meaning to check out a local running store and invest in some real running shoes, but haven't done so yet. The shoes I am using now are just all-purpose sneakers that I bought at Costco over a year ago, so that definitely could be a problem!

Today went MUCH better by the way, I was REALLY focusing on my breathing, and this time I drank about 4 oz of concord grape juice before the run rather than water. I think having just a bit of fuel gave me more energy. :)

[Dirty Martini]

Having some fuel to burn will definitely help. If you're going for a longer run, I recommend looking into Shot Blox.

But do yourself a favor - GET NEW SHOES!! :)

[harper]

But do yourself a favor - GET NEW SHOES!! :)
Some of the best advice for anyone who runs :yes: New shoes every so often can save you many aches and pains!