long runs and GI issues

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AmyOutOfControl
AmyOutOfControl Posts: 1,425 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am currently half marathon training and my Friday long weekly run is now up to 10 miles. For the past two weeks, my stomach has started cramping at mile 9. The cramps persist for several hours. Causes? Suggestions?

I usually eat a banana 30-60 minutes before heading out and put diluted sports drink in my hydration belt. This combo has never bothered my stomach before but maybe I need to change?

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  • purplepadres
    purplepadres Posts: 36 Member
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    How's your fiber intake the day or so before that long run? Maybe take it a little easier on the high fiber foods for the day before the run? The cramping, and more, can be a common occurrence.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
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    How well hydrated are you in general?
  • AmyOutOfControl
    AmyOutOfControl Posts: 1,425 Member
    edited March 2017
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    MeanderingMammal wrote: »
    How well hydrated are you in general?

    I don't think hydration is the issue. I drink lots of H2O on the reg
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
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    Maybe they've changed the recipe of the sports gel? Try just taking water next time, see if that makes a difference?
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
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    amymoreorless wrote: »
    MeanderingMammal wrote: »
    How well hydrated are you in general?

    I don't think hydration is the issue. I drink lots of H2O on the reg

    OK. In principle you shouldn't need to drink sports drink for a session of that length. I'd suggest trying just with water, see how that goes.

    Personally I now use Tailwind, but only for sessions of 15 miles or more.

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