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GI problems and running

5913540
5913540 Posts: 21 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So this might be TMI but.... i have been running for about 5 years now and things going fine. Up until the last 2 weeks when i go for longer runs ( 6-10 miles) afterwards i get really bad stomach pains and then " the runs". Does anyone know a cure or what i can do differently? I am suppose to run a half marathon in 6 weeks and if this isnt figured out I am afriad what will happen when done running. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Replies

  • epj78
    epj78 Posts: 643 Member
    No help here. Whenever I did long runs (I did 2 half marathons) they made me have to poo. In fact, check out the line for the port-a-potties after your half marathon - it's everyone's first stop - lol. You might be able to change up your diet to "solidify" things so to speak - cheese and bread works for me.

    "Real" runners (as I call them) poo their pants as the run - I kid you not. Not in a million years would a race time be that important. Not ever!
  • SheehyCFC
    SheehyCFC Posts: 529 Member
    My fiance has (had) this problem too. Sometimes it is diet, but for her we found it was "nerves". When she was relaxed before runs, there were no issues - if she was nervous or stressed for whatever reason (about the run or external issues), GI problems came up.
    She's been running same # of years as you, but it only recently (last year) came up.

    Maybe try to stay a bit relaxed and keep your head clear on the runs (no pun intended)?
    Hope it works out.
  • rgunn02
    rgunn02 Posts: 169 Member
    if you google "diarrhea after running" you should find lots of info.

    Good Luck! :smile:
  • It might be due to eating anything fibrous before running. I used to get terrible stomach cramps after going for long runs. I would recommend staying away from any kind of fiber at LEAST 3 hours before running. That would include oatmeal, apples, granola bars, etc.
  • dandydalek
    dandydalek Posts: 158 Member
    Posted this link a while back--it's an article about exactly this problem. Hope it helps!


    http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/6-Nutrition-Tips-to-Avoid-Stomach-Pain.htm
This discussion has been closed.