Learn the technique so you don't get in trouble
Ever had one of those vicious side stitches (side cramps)? If you've ever had one, you know how painful and debilitating these things are. It feels like you have been stabbed in the ribs and it makes it very hard to breathe.
The good news is, there is a simple way to help prevent them. When you are running, all you have to do is breathe out when your left foot hits the ground. Very simple, yet effective.
These side stitches are basically spasms of the diaphragm that running can cause because it makes the organs attached to the diaphragm jump up and down. You put a much larger strain on the organs attached to the diaphragm when you breathe out when your right foot hits. The organs on the left side are much smaller, so there is less strain.
It is a weird tip, but it works!
Eating too much (or too soon) before a run and running downhill can also cause side cramps to occur. If you do get one, the best way to fight through them is to slow down and breathe out with pursed lips (like you are blowing out candles on a birthday cake).