Tips for reducing stitches when running?

[Sussex19]

I am trying to get fitter, as I'm hoping to join the police force next year.
This needs to include running, but I have a (big) problem with getting stitches. On a good day, I can run maybe three or four hundred meters, and on a bad day just fast walking or running a few steps can cause it.
If I try and push though, the next few days are even worse.
Any thoughts one what might help?
I have tried to see if anything I eat causes it, but apart from being worse after a big meal, nothing seems to be adding up.

 

[DobieLover]

Are you drinking enough water throughout the day?
Do you do brisk walking with deep breathing to warm up then a little stretching before just diving into your run?
What surface are you running on (hills, pavement, grass, pebbles, ??)?
Did you get fitted for proper shoes to support your feet/legs when running?
All those things can cause extra strain when trying to compensate for them.
You also need to ease into running, not just run out the door and go as long as you can.
I never ever ran after a meal. I always ran on an empty stomach and ate after I cooled down after the run. If you are running late in the day instead of early in the morning, wait at least 2 hours after eating to run.

 

[Sussex19]

Are you drinking enough water throughout the day?

I think so, but maybe could have a bit more.

Do you do brisk walking with deep breathing to warm up then a little stretching before just diving into your run?

Yes, although not in the most organized manner. Behind our house there is good hill, with flattish grass land on top.
I will walk up the hill, doing a bit of boulder climbing on the way (because its fun) and then do running up on top and down again.

What surface are you running on (hills, pavement, grass, pebbles, ??)?

So hills and grass, basically.

Did you get fitted for proper shoes to support your feet/legs when running?

No, and hadn't even really considered them.
I just wear what could be called work boots, but they are fairly light weight. It is what I have always worn, and are very comfortable.... but...maybe that could be a problem?

I never ever ran after a meal. I always ran on an empty stomach and ate after I cooled down after the run. If you are running late in the day instead of early in the morning, wait at least 2 hours after eating to run.

So I probably do sometimes run sooner than that after a meal, so I won't do that anymore.

Thank you very much for all your thoughts, definitely a few things to think about.