To non-runners this post may be a little TMI (too much information). But apparently this is something that affects a lot of us that are regularly hitting the pavement!
This morning’s run sucked.
I woke really early, about 4:30 AM, and despite the early hour I was excited and happy to get moving. I had new shorts, I had a new handheld waterbottle, a new mix of tunes on the iPod was ready; the elements were in place for a good run.
But about 15 minutes into my run I started to feel really sick to my stomach. Really sick. I didn’t have much choice but to keep going. Since I was 15 minutes out into a 3.5 mile loop, it would have been about the same to turn around and go home as it would have been to plow forward and finish the loop.
I need to figure out what is making me sick. I have always had a somewhat “delicate constitution”, but running seems to have kicked it into high gear. I’m pretty sure that the culprit is either caffeine or too-much fiber. Or if I’m really special it’s both of those!
I am one of those rare Americans that gets way more than the recommended 25-35 grams of fiber each day. It just sort of happens when I eat whole grains, fruits and veggies. I don’t understand how so many people fall short. But when I’m monitoring my diet, I see that I often exceed 45 grams. In working with a registered dietitian last fall, she said to me, “I never thought I would have to say this, but… eat less fiber.”
And while I’ve been trying to cut out the carbonation, I am still finding ways to get caffeine in my diet. According to everything I’ve read online, caffeine can either be “magic beans” or an “achilles heel” for a runner. Bugger…
I have been trying to ignore the food journaling, it’s a little too OCD and makes me stress about pointless things. I may have to start just to track down what is causing the problem. Ugh…
Hundred Push-up Challenge; Week 2, Day 1: 9, 8, 6, 4, 11 = 38
Jill Will Run 
It could be the running itself, Jill. I think with all of that bouncing around, things can “jar loose” if you know what I mean. I bet that is a big part of it.
Good job on finishing the run, though!
Oh, I did Week 1, Day 1 of the pushup challenge today! Very exciting!
Chris: That’s a valid point. I just want to, you know… make it stop!
But thanks for the kudos. Even though I felt sick, I have to admit I felt strong and pleased for finishing too!
My husband started the push-up challenge yesterday when I challenged him to do it too. He’s making me look pretty wimpy! 🙂
I have struggled with that issue too. I thought I had it figured out (make sure to *empty* everything before going out to run…. for me, that means waking up at least an hour before running *and* drinking some caffeine). HOWEVER, it didn’t help during my marathon (see my race report: http://lisasepiphany.blogspot.com/2008/06/race-report-part-iii-bad-and-ugly-here.html—- talk about TMI) I read that it affects well over half of all runners.
Unfortunately, you may never figure it out. I hope you do and can have a great run where you feel FABULOUS.
Btw… you mentioned the Iron Girl Tri in Vegas. I REALLY want to do that one once I get up enough guts to train for a tri. My friend is a swimmer and wants to train me. My hubby works for a bike company and wants me to ride. I wish the Iron Girl here is a tri.
Lisa: What a miserable experience during the marathon! I’ve been reading too that it affects a really huge percentage of runners. Totally sucks!
The IronGirl Tri would be awesome. My friend really enjoyed her experience and she’s addicted to the tri-scene now! I am conflicted, part of me wants to venture into that but another part of me is kind of happy to stay out of the pool (or lake)!
Hi, IronGirl here 😉
I have no pearls of wisdom on the GI issues, but I do know that one of my tri coaches suffers from something similar. All I can say is… you’re not alone.
Hey IronGirl! I love that it’s almost like your official title now! You’re inspiring to me, so I have to brag about your accomplishment all over the place.
I don’t know if it makes me happy or sad to know that I’m in the company of so many others… shouldn’t there be some kind of fix! 🙂
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