Is there anything one can do about a side stitch once she's running?

I already run on an empty stomach, no water even, before hand. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't, is there anything I can do to get rid of them?? I know you can sort of push on the muscle by digging your fingers into it to work out the built up acid, but today that didn't work at all, and I got the cramp right as I began running. I just clenched my teeth to get through my 2 miles. Any tips? Advice? Any better prevention methods? Oh, and yes, I do warm up at a mild 3.5 mph for about 3-4 min before breaking into a run.

Thanks!

------------------
I'm not a newbie!! I'm a senior member but my account got messed up!! So...Yeah.
"There's only us, there's only this: forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way, No Day But Today!" --Rent

[This message has been edited by Angelene (edited 12-18-2001).]

Hydrate. Drinking enough water 10 to 30 minutes before running seems to keep the side cramps away for me. It doesn't always prevent it, but it seems to help. drink a decent amount before you start and see if you notice a difference. This _may_ be an old wives tale I picked up from... who knows where, but I don't get them nearly as often as I used to. There's really no way to "work it out" after it has started unless you stop for a bit and stretch it or wait it out.

Naxis