The Runners Stitch:

Description:
Every runner has had this happen to them, a sudden sharp pain in the side of the upper abdomen at the base of the ribs. The side stitch typically strikes when you're really pushing yourself and fades quickly when you slow down or stop. The stitch is particularly common for new runners.

Common causes:
The pain may be caused by a spasm of the diaphragm, the muscle that controls your breathing. There are a number of possible reasons for this. If your breathing isn't controlled and disciplined the diaphragm may be straining, if you are running with poor form or posture or if you are running too soon after eating your heavy stomach may literally be tugging at the ligaments connected to the diaphragm. Or you may simply be running too fast for your body's breathing machinery to keep up. Another possible cause may be a lack of potassium.

Helpful hints:
Try to eat a banana or something with a high potassium level about an hour or so prior to running. A stitch will usually go away quickly after just slowing down or stopping. If you're in a race or you just don't want to stop you can often make it go away by bringing your breathing into careful control. Concentrate on belly breathing, pushing your belly out when you breathe in and relaxing it as you breathe out while performing the Kegel exercise. The Kegel exercise will help keep you stable while running and therefore having less of a chance of stretching a ligament. Take deep breaths on the intake and exhale forcefully. You want the diaphragm to contract in rhythm with your steps, to do so, inhale and exhale as you land on your left foot. Strange but true, this can help prevent spasms by encouraging the diaphragm to bounce along in sync with your stride.

If the pain is just too much and you have to stop, try bending over and raising your knee on the stitch side while pressing your fingers deep into the painful area and tightening your stomach muscles. Or just walk while belly breathing.

Strength Training Update

"The greatest discovery of any generation
is that human beings can alter their lives by altering the attitudes of their minds." 
-Albert Schweitzer