Health

Side stitch: slow down, exhale longer

A sharp side stitch is your cue to ease pace, deepen the exhale (especially on the opposite side of the stitch), and avoid stacking a huge meal or new gel right before hard efforts. If stitches are constant with GI chaos, practice race fuel on easy long runs — gut training is a skill. Persistent pain that isn't a stitch deserves a clinician, not another YouTube stretch.

LetsRunNow provides general fitness education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting or changing an exercise program — especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant, are recovering from injury or illness, or have not been active recently. Read our full terms.

More tips

Getting Started

Slow down — seriously

If you can't hold a conversation while jogging, you're going too fast. The goal isn't speed; it's building the habit and aerobic base. Walk breaks are part of the plan, not a failure.

Read full article· 6 min

Gear

Shoes matter more than gadgets

Visit a running store for a gait analysis if you can. A decent pair of running shoes is the only real investment you need. Skip the expensive watch until you're hooked.

Read full article· 5 min

Scheduling

Put runs on your calendar

Treat workouts like appointments. Morning runs work for many beginners because nothing else competes for your time. Pick three days and protect them.

Read full article· 5 min

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