I need your expertise. Pretty PLEASE!!! As you have read in some of my post of my long runs I am struggling with some stomach issues. I wanted to share my theory with you and see if you could help. I am sure others struggle with the same issue. I thought it was the chomps the first few times but now I realize that whatever I take my stomach is feeling sick and sensitive.
My usual plan on a run is to take a gu about 45 minutes into my run. I also take water and nuun for hydration. The first Gu is no problem and doesn’t seem to cause any issues. The 2nd one seems to do okay but after that my stomach just feels sick. On my long runs it just seems that no matter what I do I don’t feel great the last hour or two of the run. It’s defiantly something I can run through but I would love not to feel that way. For my 25 miler I stopped in the middle and had a couple pretzels and a bite of a banana. I also used gummy bears most of the way to see if those would be better than the gu’s. I think the food really helped.
Here is my theory: My thought is that when you run for 3-5 hours you make sure to eat a good breakfast but that usually is 2-3 hours before you start a run/race. By the time you are done with the run it’s been 5-7 hours of just sugar and water without any REAL food. I am thinking that is why I am feeling sick. My friend Janeette suggested I eat on the run and take a energy bar during the race. I think that might be a great idea. Have you taken an energy bar or food while running a marathon? I am out of my long training runs so I don't have more time to test it. I can test it on my 13 miler this week, but thats only 2 hours compared to 4 hours...so I won't get the exact science down.
Thoughts?
7 comments:
I have only run 2 marathons, but in both of them I took "Gu" at mile 12 and again around mile 18. It really did nothing for me, so I would probably try something else the next time around. I don't know what it would be though, because when I am that tired, I cannot seem to chew!
I have eaten pretzels, almonds, raisins, dried cranberries, and fig newtons on long runs with no problems. If real foods provide the needed energy without the GI problems or other undesirable effects,then using them would be a good strategy. Hope you find something that works for you.
I think that is a solid theory. I was starting to feel sick on my third round of clif bloks on Sunday. I think food would be a good idea. Makes me nervous to try it at the marathon too. I know my friend has a sensitive stomach and eats bars in place of gu's. She has run 4 marathons and it seems to work for her. I know others pre-mix their gels in water and have them in little bottles on their waist pack which I've heard helps. Thanks so much for inviting me to the pre-race dinner....I really would have loved to be there but we are going to be up there the night before with a large group from the Portland/Vancouver area. I really hope I can meet some of you guys at the race though!! What corral are you in? I'm in 15 but hoping to move forward a little. So excited for you in reaching your goal....It has been a huge dream of mine as well since I was in high school. Can't believe its almost here!! Good luck!
I have the same problem! I have used fig newtons, pretzels, clif bars, they always seem to work the first few times, but then I get nauseaus again...Now I take B-12 drops before and during the run...it seems to help, I still use Gu and bananas but the b-12 seems to be the key for me, and trying to stay stress free before. Good luck!
A lot of people have the same problem and can't handle more than 1 or 2 Gus before their GI system starts to complain. If real foods worked OK for you on the 25-miler, I'd say go with 'em. Energy bars are good, as are bananas, pretzels, and gummy bears. Good luck!
I don't have experience running that far but have read that a lot of people can't handle Gu's. Chic Runner makes a pb&j sandwich, cuts into quarters and brings it with her on her long runs (she has stomach issues as well). I thought that was a good alternative to Gu. Maybe try a different brand as well. Good luck. I hope you can find something that works.
Hm...hard to tell. I think we all react differently to running for a long time. I am normally fine during the run but after my marathon I was hitting the bathroom every 45 min to an hour for a whole day! It was crazy! My sister said she had a friend who is like that, "It clears you out". Gross! But she contributed it to the bowl muscles being tense then relaxed or something.
Anyway...I had orange slices during the marathon and they gave me no problems whatsoever and actually seemed to be awesome!
I hope you find something that works!!
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