Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Stomach + Running = Fail.

So I know I have mentioned in several posts all of the stomach issues I have.

Recently they have just come to a head and I am so frustrated. It is not only disheartening to not know the full potential you could have reached in a race - but also to have it totally interfere with your training.

I have been alright with needing to stop during training runs to use the bathroom. I have long accepted that no, I cannot just ignore it and will it away, I genuinely NEED to stop. I haven't been as strict with my eating since the marathon so I know that there have been times I go into a run with the knowledge that I will probably have to stop.

But Sunday. Oh Sunday.

I needed to get a 20 miler in. 18 at least. I am running out of time before the NJ Marathon and need the time on my feet.

Enter the worst run of my life.

First off I set out outside and it was pretty windy. Ever since the half last weekend, I am SO OVER the wind.

I was doing alright though just kind of started to frolick around Hoboken. With 20 miles to cover I planned on doing a LOT of frolicking around town.

Around mile 4 my stomach started to churn.

It hurt prior to starting the run - so I had 3 Kashi waffles plain before and then waited almost 2 hours just to make sure I was alright.

I was not.

Thankfully I was able to make my way closer to home and made a quick dash for the bathroom.

I was 6 miles in. Argh. I was NOT FEELING this run. I did not want to run anymore. I had some Nuun and a gel because I knew I needed it and set out the door.

The second I started running I knew it was over with my stomach. So I made the smartest decision and ran the few blocks to my gym to hit the treadmill.

I made it in 3 mile increments. Every time I tried to even drink water I had to stop. Around mile 12 I started to get cramps, and knew I was dehydrated and it would be better to throw in the towel soon than push. I finally made it to 15 and called it a day.



Totally frustrated. And pretty defeated.

Now on the bright side, I manage 3 miles yesterday and 2 this morning without incident! Yay. BUT. I like half marathons. I enjoy the challenge of fulls now (enjoy may be over reaching haha). And a couple miles is not going to cut it.

Sigh.

So I am seriously scaling back on what I eat. Going very basic and mundane. I swear this time.

The worst part is, there is not officially 'wrong' with me. I have been to the doctor to try and see if there is...but nothing. That was a couple years back and may be time to explore again since this is really impacting me. I am getting very dehydrated and really cramping badly. And am borderline anemic before (and not to be graphic, but there is blood...yes so sexy. I love describing my symptoms to doctors) and this might be why I get dizzy at times.

The hard part is that it comes and goes. It seemed to go away for a while last year when I was super strict with my eats. So, that is my immediate course of action. Fingers crossed that there is some relief.

Starting this weekend I have a race every one through June and just want to be able to enjoy them. I want to be able to RACE if I feel like it (many are integrated into training runs for the marathon).

I know things could be oh so much worse but I am just seriously tired of dealing with this. And this holding me back.

7 comments:

  1. Hey you! Firstly, thank you so much for your comment and words of encouragement.

    And now, I am SO sorry to hear about your stomach issues. That sounded like such a rough run. Food definitely affects my stomach in a a bad way when I run, so fingers crossed that playing around with what you've been eating will help a little??
    I hope this clears up for you much sooner than later.

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  2. This just sucks. No other way to put it. I'm really sorry you're having these issues and I hope clean eating helps! And if not, I hope the doctor can figure out what might be up. It's so frustrating when we're willing to put in the effort and our bodies don't meet us halfway.

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  3. I've had very similar issues. When I am training I eat VERY plain foods for two days before a long run or race. I eliminate alcohol for at least 24 hours before a long run (NO glass of wine before dinner) and I eliminate lactose of any sort 100%. Any time. All week. I also am very careful with when I eat salads / fibrous foods (try to keep those 48 hours before a long run). When i had issues, a food journal was recommended to see what caused issues and what didn't. And sometimes? Just a bad day. Before a race, i find sometimes taking an immodium helps with the "sudden" urges (but be careful, because those are dehydrating!)

    Good luck...I hear you on this!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your input! I am back to journaling...the sucky part is, I pretty much already cut out dairy (minus greek yogurt/a little cottage cheese) I pretty much stopped drinking (seriously haven't had one since mid February that is just sad!)
      I am now giving up some of my fav veggies, broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts to see if that helps I eat a ton of vegetables so trying to eliminate ones that are known trouble makers.

      I've been scared to try immodium (because I am already a very dehyrated person) but might take it for a test drive sunday!

      Glad to know I am not alone...praying to get this under control before my big races coming up.

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  4. If you are open to trying it, the Vega Sport protein has Glutamine in it. Not sure if you read about all my stomach issues, but I started using it daily before my workouts because glutamine helps to coat your stomach and things are SO MUCH better. That with a probiotic is definitely a big thing for my runs to go well. Good luck as you figure out what works for you!!

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    Replies
    1. I am geniunely open to any and all suggestions and will be looking into that! It is so great to hear advice from those that have been through it. I have gotten to the point where if I make it through 3 miles before a break I am proclaiming it a victory. Not a good thing with a few halfs a full and 50K on the horizon between now and end of May. Thank you!

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  5. Oh goodness, I can't help you because I have the exact opposite problem but I really send my sympathies! I hope you feel better!

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