This is the second week in a row that running 10 miles led to me spending some real quality time in the bathroom a few hours later, in a cold sweat. I feel better now, but it was so bad I was actually convinced for a short time that I'd caught a serious illness--or had been poisoned. It was that bad. And much worse than what I went through last week.
I've done a little Google-research and found an article that had some do's and don'ts for running long distance if you have a sensitive stomach. (I have IBS). Looks like I've been doing all don'ts and no do's because I:
- Ate less than an hour before running and less than an hour after the running is complete;
- Ate heavily the night before;
- Used performance candy (Jelly Belly Sport Beans)
- Wore a belt tight around my waist when I ran (to hold the water) rather than looser clothes.
So I have a bit of a game plan for next week. I am going to try running after a lighter dinner (but heavier lunch) the night before, changing out my fuel belt for a hand-held water bottle, and of course avoiding dairy altogether. I had an egg white and soy patty for breakfast today and wonder if the lack of carbs/too much protein could be where I'm going wrong.
I am hesitant to cut out a pre-run breakfast altogether, though, because I do need the energy. Maybe I can have a plain piece of toasted wheat bread. I don't want an upset stomach after everytime I do a long run...but I also can't see eating nothing before or after burning around 1000 calories.
Fortunately, the run itself was great. I beat last week's time by four minutes and had fun the whole time. Now if I could just get to the point where I feel great after a long run, I'll be in good shape.
Off for another dose of Bentyl...
Jorie, I found your blog from WW and love it. I am from Philadelphia as well and am a runner (currently injured and sidelined though). I also have IBS. From experience, I can't eat at all before a run. I will say though the furthest I've run is a half and I did do it on an empty stomach. I run Broad St every year that way. I know though that a marathon is different. I did find that I have to avoid anything with electrolytes (gatorade, smart water, anything!). Also when I finish a run, I just can't guzzle water (though I usually want to). I have to sip it and it has to be room temperature. I'm not sure why but the really cold water upsets my stomach. I usually eat a mix of protein and carbs afterwards but do find that I'm not hungry for about an hour after I finish a long run. It is a pain but I love running, so its worth it to me. Good luck on finding what works and of course your marathon!
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Lisa, thanks for letting me know how you handled IBS and long distances. Very interesting about the electrolytes--I have to say, the IBS attacks started after I began running with Powerade Zero instead of water. I figured I needed the electrolytes after going up to 10 miles, but that might be the problem. I can try running with warm water instead and see how that goes. Did you get weak during your half marathon with no food at all? That's the one thing I worry about. Anyway, thanks for the suggestion. I'll definitely try it out. Hope it stays warm enough in Philly for you to keep running outside. I am sure it is beautiful running with all those fall leaves.
ReplyDeleteJorie, the water doesn't have to be warm, just room temperature. I can't say if I had less or more energy during the half bc I've never eaten before running. If I have to run later in the day (so I've eaten a few meals) I never have a good run, so I guess it just has to be on an empty stomach for me. I wonder if you tried regular jelly beans - not the sport ones - if that would help. I know a few triathletes who just use regular jelly beans for the sugar rush. Its the same idea minus the electrolytes and caffeine. Unfortunately sugar has never bothered me :)
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