Runner help needed!!

I need some help from all of you wonderful fitness pal runners out there!

I have been running since January so I'm still a newbie and could use some advice from the experienced runners out there. Over the past few weeks every time I go for a run, within the first mile I am running for the closest bathroom!!

I run after work a few days a week so I have been staying away from salads and higher fiber foods at lunch. Nothin seems to be working. This is where I need you!!

What types of foods do u eat prior to running that you have found helps to tame your stomach irritation??

Replies

  • pinkraynedropjacki
    pinkraynedropjacki Posts: 3,027 Member
    Don't eat before you run. Simple.


    I don't or my stomach kills me the entire way.
  • jzammetti
    jzammetti Posts: 1,956 Member
    When I started I had the same issue (well, the issue i think you are referring to!) I do not know what happened, but eventually it went away. Sorry I have no useful advice!
  • MindyBlack
    MindyBlack Posts: 954 Member
    I cannot eat before a run either. If I run in the morning, I just don't eat. If I run in the afternoon or evening I make sure it has been a while since I have eaten anything. If it is an easy run it isn't too bad. If I want a long hard workout I can't eat for several hours before or I will be barfy. I have never actually thrown up but I have sure felt like it. As far as the other, I think the same principal applies.
    Also, I think your body adjusts a bit as it gets used to what you are doing to it.
  • links_slayer
    links_slayer Posts: 1,151 Member
    I can't eat anything "substantial" within an hour of running. I have no idea how people drink coffee before a run. I love me a cup o joe but lord almighty does it get me movin if you know what I mean.
  • BoyzMom520
    BoyzMom520 Posts: 5 Member
    I have to watch what I drink. I have had the same problem, but have to watch my food and drink intake before I know I will be running.
  • aalpass
    aalpass Posts: 124 Member
    I'm by no means a runner.

    Have you had kids? All those pelvic floor muscles that hold everything up and in would need to be activated whilst running. It may explain why for jzammetti it just 'went away'. Perhaps their muscles strengthened with time.

    just a thought.
  • SassyCalyGirl
    SassyCalyGirl Posts: 1,932 Member
    I run in the mornings on an empty stomach.
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    To eat or not to eat (and what to eat or not eat) is pretty personal - everyone reacts differently.

    When I first started, I absolutely had to run on an empty stomach. A year later, I can run with food in my belly.....but nothing heavy. I still try not to eat for about an hour before a run. I did go on a short 2 mile run (trying out new shoes) the other day right after eating dinner and I was ok, but I was also going slow in order to pay attention to my form and the way the shoes felt. Had I wanted to go faster, I probably would have ended up puking.

    You'll just have to experiment to find what works best for you.
  • I eat bagels, banana's, and water. Normally the bagels though, gotta have something to keep you moving!
  • I found that it went away eventually. I always have a cup of coffee and toast before i run in the mornings and it doesn't bother me anymore! Good luck!
  • EricV440
    EricV440 Posts: 11 Member
    I do not eat 2 hours prior to a run. As for bathroom issues, before long runs, I take four Advil gel caps. This "binds" me up and I have never had to go to the bathroom during a race. I just finished a half marathon Saturday and I drank, at least 180 ounces of liquid during the race. I have an Amphiboid fuel belt that has six ten ounce bottles. I did not have to go to the bathroom until after the post-race beers!