VSG to Marathon?
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JamesAztec
Posts: 524 Member
Wondering if anyone has done it. Just got into running this year. Two 5ks under my belt. Already scheduled for 10k and 15k in Summer. Hoping to do half-Marathon in October and full Marathon next April. Any thoughts/tips would be greatly appreciated!
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I have never been a runner amd have recently started running and I love it. I have done a 5k and am scheduled to do a 2nd one next month. I wish I had advice to give, but I am new to running. I think it is incredible that you are setting goals amd pushing yourself.1
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I've completed a half marathon last year. I have my first marathon in May. When is yours?2
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I have worked up to 5ks but plan to do a half marathon this year. I talked to my dietician and she said she has lots of WLS patients who go on to successfully complete marathons! Just like anyone, take it slow. When I talk to people who have been running for years they all tell me to take at least 1.5 years to work up to my first marathon, as it reduces the chance of injuries.2
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I went from 0 to half marathon in a little less than a year. My goal this year is to run at least 1 race a month that is 10k or longer with a goal of a marathon in December. So far I've done a 25k trail run, a half marathon that went to the top of a bridge, back to back half marathons over two days, a 10k... and I have a half marathon on the 23rd and another half trail run in May. I'm right on track.
My best advice is to be sure to mix in a healthy dose of strength training and yoga/stretching. It will help with muscle balance and recovery.
I can run up to half marathon distance, in most weather, without water or refueling...but I otherwise stay very well hydrated at all times. I use Jelly Belly Sport Beans during races or on the occasional training run when I know that I will be pushing myself. I make my own "electrolyte" water with potassium salt, B12, zinc, and a vitamin C laden flavored drink packet to drink before and after training; during races I carry some with me in my FlipBelt bottles.
Get fitted for shoes and buy at least two pairs to alternate. Keep track of the mileage on them and don't wait for pain to replace them.
If you do injure yourself... give your body time to recovery and take time to understand what might have happened so you can course correct.4 -
Your marathon is next April.
With a bariatric stomach, It was difficult finding information on fueling my body. My local dieticians didn't have the information. I searched the web. It has been trial and error to find what works for my body.
I wear a hydration running vest. It fits tight to your body. Keeps the fluid from bouncing around on your run. I can't gulp water. The vest has a bite tube. I sip slowly throughout the race. It helps to keep air out of my stomach. I stay hydrated the full distance. One feature that I like. The vest has pockets to keep food, running gels, I.D. and your cell phone.
https://nathansports.com/hpl-020-hydration-backpack-5025n
Hydration. I'm not promoting a product. Nuun tablets worked well for dehydration.
Aginst everything Bariatric, Fueling with carbs along the run was suggested. It was hard for me to wrap my head around.
some things to try when you get to a long run.
(1) I tried protein bars. They sat hard on my stomach.
(2) Oatmeal in a zip sandwich bag. Bite a corner off. Small bites as you run. It was messy for me.
(3) Food squeeze pouches for toddlers. They didn't sit heavy on my stomach. When I was full I could replace the cap. (less mess) They are easy to carry on the run. Many food options to choose from.
(4) Make your own refillable food squeeze pouches. Fill them with your own recipes.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91E065N4ZnL._SX522_.jpg
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Thanks @fit_chickx for good info. I've heard a lot about Goo Gel. I'm not too worried about water since there's always some on the course. I keep hearing people hit a wall after a couple hours or between mile 18-230
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@Aztec4life. I have used running gels. They are thick in texture like molasses. Trial and error to see if your stomach can handle them.
Instructions for energy gels:
Always take energy gels with water, never alone and NEVER with Gatorade. Without water, energy gels will take longer to digest and enter the blood stream. If you take an energy gel with a sports drink, you run the risk of ingesting too much simple sugar at once. Having my running vest with water helps me to get them down. The gels are carbs and sugar. I found a few that have protein in them. Read the nutrition facts on the back.
Here is a good article on gels
https://google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=how+to+use+runnng+gels
Your body will still need fuel on long runs because our stomachs are smaller. Water, Gatorade, refueling food, and bathrooms are at the aid stations along the routes. The food provided on my routes has been muffins, full apples, and oranges. Hard to carry and eat if you want to continue to run. Also bogs my stomach down.
Three days before a long run I up my carbohydrate intake. I can't do full-on carb loading like the other runners with a normal stomach. Low glycemic carbs with my protein and vegetables. Whole wheat, Sweet potato, brown rice, and oatmeal are options.
We are all different. As you progress in your running, You will find what works for your body.3 -
So I did my third 5k on Saturday and improved my PR by over 4 minutes. Broke 30 for first time. I'm feeling really good about my running. Doing two 10ks over the next 3 weeks. Thinking about doing Disneyland Half-Marathon Labor day week-end. Anyone do one of these Disney runs? They're kind of expensive but it looks like a lot of fun. I'm going to see how I do in these 10ks and then go from there.7
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Aztec4Life wrote: »So I did my third 5k on Saturday and improved my PR by over 4 minutes. Broke 30 for first time.
@Aztec4Life - that is Awesome!
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