adam_mac84

So, 1/2 way through the season this year (July), I started getting side cramps on the right during weekly TT's (mile 11 of 15 2x). No real position changes... HR data looks the same, nutrition seemingly unchanged. Now, i am starting to get it on my CX bike too... hasn't happened in practice races yet, but on longer training rides (solo ride on gravel road mile 25 of 36).

On the training rides i just slow down and let it pass... in one time trial it was so bad i couldn't hardly breathe at all. Had to sit up and soft pedal until my HR went below about 150, then was able to go again to the finish (slowly came on, but was able to make it to the end).

Is there some crazy fit thing that could be going on? I don't know why it'd happen on TT bike AND on the CX bike which is obviously much more upright.

Anyone else have these problems? I had planned on widening my elbows on TT bike and adding a spacer, but now I am really wondering because of it happening on 2 bikes.

You can definitely see the drop here around mile 10/11
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/105040898

I TT this route monday nights, i try to maintain 175-176, above that and I am burning a match.

Happened the previous week too
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/103492289

I have same TT tomorrow, so it'll be interesting to see what happen, legs are a bit dead from CX practices, but it's last week, and i have been steadily improving, so i'd like to see where I am at

urbanknight

I used to get them real bad. They were asthma (exercise induced) related. Assuming yours are not a byproduct of asthma, focus on taking deeper breaths the entire ride.

adam_mac84

well, thanks to my work schedule today, i had to miss the TT... i guess it'll have to wait for wednesdays cx practice

gregf83 

I seldom get them on the bike but I've heard runners talking about getting them from shallow breathing. Perhaps when you're bent over in a TT position your breathing is constrained. Try taking deeper breaths next time it happens.

savage1971

I'll cramp in my back, down the sides right where the ribs attach and partially back around to the front any time my heart rate get into the high 180's and stays there for any length of time. They originally started out in the low 180's and are now getting closer to the 190 side the more I stay in that "zone". I've had them bad enough where it is actually painfull to breathe.

adam_mac84

Went for a 25 mile ride last night with some (solo) sprints in there. Happened about mile 10 again. I am not saying it has anything to do with the mileage, but it's interesting it's almost always somewhere around 30 minutes into a ride (including triathlon, where it happens in the first 4-5 miles (15 min swim/transition 1).

I think some of it may be too short of reach, or my posture in general. I am lower this year than i have ever been (MUCH more flexible, have been working on it lots). I have been trying to keep neutral spine more, and am hoping this helps. CX practice tonight, so I should get the HR up. We'll see if it happens tonight too

Northwestrider

When I was a runner I'd get them on occasion, however on a bicycle, I've never had a problem. Could it be a flexibility issue?

Makel

Usually it's breathing, try not controlling your breath and just suck as much air in through your nose and mouth and then woosh it out.

Sometimes it's gas.

If you are wearing a HR monitor make sure it's not tight, that can cause muscle cramps as well.

mpath

I'm still a runner - I run more than I ride - and I'd too get them on occasion. I was advised by kinisiologists here (I work at a university) to switch my feet around to the opposite of when I was breathing in or out to ease the pain, something about the diaphragm or other, I forget. But that seemed to work for me.

OP, maybe do that on the bike?

Trailblazer3

For running I believe you're supposed to exhale on your left foot strike to reduce/relieve side stitches. Its always worked for me, and now I've established a good breathing rhythm to match my running cadence. Deep breathing will also greatly aid side stitches.

As for cycling, I've never gotten a side stitch while on the bike. OP, I would guess its not fit related, but breathing technique related. Especially being a TT where your efforts are high you can get into a shallower breathing technique, which could cause issue. To help ensure that you maintain good breathing, you can also try to establish a breathing rhythm to match your cadence on the bike as well. Sort of like a mental metronome. It helps me out tremendously on the bike.

adam_mac84

geesh, this S**t i geting annoying. Got the stitches bad today on a 3 mile run (NOT a long distance for me)... I have been doing tri's and TT's all summer, and this has been comming on in the past month. Also got them during a hill-repeat workout yesterday.

This really sucks. I have worked all summer to prepare for CX season, and this craziness has got my head spinning

DropDeadFred

i get them if my HR goes up to high keeping up with real cyclist....i just get droped and then the pain goes away....oh well...till next time

rekmeyata

For me I found that I rode too soon after eating I got side stitches, if I wait 45 minutes after I eat I don't get the side stitches.

John_V 

Have you tried going to see a doctor? If this has been going on for a month and it isn't getting any better, the issue may be something other than what you think it is. Just a thought.

Bioandbikes

Do you have allergies? Depending on where you live, the last month or so could have had very high pollen counts, especially for things like ragweed. In the midwest (ragweed capitol of the US), ragweed is super high right now. It may not cause any obvious breathing problems during daily activities, but I find I get short of breath more easily now than I did earlier in the season (like you, I have done plenty of riding this summer). Side stitches are caused by shortness of breath for me.