Fueling and belly issues (TMI included)

Gummybear

I have never fueled during a run before, except for glucose pills during one of my halfs. I have some PowerBar gels I might try tomorrow, but I am worried.

I have a very sensitive, uhhh, shall we say, digestive track. My stomach is fine, but let's just say I plan my long runs around access to public rest rooms, port-o-potties and secluded woods. I'll leave it at that.

I have read a lot of you ladies say the gels etc. upset your tummies. Do you mean, cramps? Or, something more urgent?

GRKaters

I took a chocolate Gu around mile 10 of a 16 miler today, and by mile 13 I had to *go* so, so bad. There was no getting around it; I was so glad there was a McDonald's along my route. I don't think it was the Gu, though, since I've taken them a lot without that issue. I've had up to 5 during a race with no ill effects.

You're smart to try new things during training (never race day!) and on a route close to home/bathrooms if you're unsure.

A friend of mine with a sensitive stomach takes SportBeans without a problem. It's a very individual thing.

jennili

Since I started fueling I've been extra cautious about going before I leave and then making sure I run past somewhere with a bathroom. It's a real PITA but I have no idea what else to do. When I don't fuel I feel like my legs are lead. I've tried GUs and PowerBar gels. I like the consistency of the PowerBar ones better. The GU is kind of tooth paste like to me and even harder to choke down. Have you tried Shot Bloks or anything yet? 

jennili

Oops, I forgot to finish. Before I got all these gels to try I was just doing regular jelly beans or fruit snacks with Gatorade and that worked really well for me. I might go back to that if I can't get my GI tract to settle down

Gummybear

I haven't tried anything yet. I swear, this issue I have is horrific. I always try to go before I leave but sometimes there is a sneak attack. I live in fear. I actually run my neighborhood for 2-3 miles just in case most times.There are some public restrooms along my route but a very long stretch where there is NOTHING, except a few places of well-hidden woods. How embarrassing. I feel like it's such a problem for me, but when I Google, it looks like it's pretty common.

I will try the PG ones tomorrow and see what happens. 

Gummybear

I have heard Gummy Bears works well too.

I had one half where in line at every other port-o-potty. Ugh.  I didn't even fuel during that one. I have learned over the years to be careful what I eat the night before, wake early, eat lightly, drink coffee, wait....go, and then run. I am scared of upsetting the balance.

jennili

Waking up early is key for me. I'm up 2 hours before so I can eat, digest, and go before heading out... it's exhausting. 

JenniferJaneC

I had this issue at my half yesterday.  I took a GU around mile 10 (and I love GU, btw.  Never tried any of the berry flavors, but the chocolate, espresso, and peanut butter are great).  I had some passing cramps while I ran throughout most of the run but things didn't, um, get ugly until about 20 minutes after I finished the run, and then I was in misery.

When I started running long enough to fuel I bought a variety of different fueling options and for each run I'd try something different and see what worked best for me.  For me, GU was the winner because it generally didn't seem to attribute to any tummy troubles, plus I think they are tasty. 

MommaInTheSouth

Gu upset my stomach but not in a "I gotta go" way.  I have fueled with sports beans and orange slices (the candy).  I like the orange slices because they are easier to chew.  I cut them up before I head out so they are smaller.  That has worked best for me, except we keep the orange slices in the pantry and I eat them randomly

kimsy

I really like the Honey Stinger gummies (esp. the Orange and Pomegranate). I also have a sensitive GI tract, and they don't bother mine.

Is this just when you run, and if not, have you seen a doctor? It's a bummer to have to route yourself just so you won't be away from the bathroom (and believe me, I can relate). I was screened for Colitis (negative, thankfully), but the doctor told me he could prescribe something if it was an all-the-time problem. I didn't take him up on it because I was nursing and then got pregnant shortly after stopping, but maybe something to consider. 

Gummybear

kimsy:

I really like the Honey Stinger gummies (esp. the Orange and Pomegranate). I also have a sensitive GI tract, and they don't bother mine.

Is this just when you run, and if not, have you seen a doctor? It's a bummer to have to route yourself just so you won't be away from the bathroom (and believe me, I can relate). I was screened for Colitis (negative, thankfully), but the doctor told me he could prescribe something if it was an all-the-time problem. I didn't take him up on it because I was nursing and then got pregnant shortly after stopping, but maybe something to consider. 

I saw a Dr. years ago, because this issue is not just a running thing. My poor husband has had to pull over so I can go at so many gas stations, fast food joint etc. Everything checked out fine and he just gave me the blanket diagnosis of "IBS" and sent me on my way. I have a new GI Dr. now who I like a lot, that I saw last year when I was pg. b/c I had serious hb. I may go back to see him -- I am still nursing but this is our last child so as soon as I'm done I would consider meds. It affects my life.

jdbmjm

I'm another person that has to wake up super early, and have coffee, so I can go before a long run. I usually wake up at 5:45, drink a glass of water and coffee, then warm up, eat, etc, and meet my group at 7am (we start about 7:30), But that gives me enough time to completely clear out my system before embarking on a 12 miles run in a residential neighborhood with no bathrooms. Eek! So for me, it was almost a system of trial and error to see what I needed to do to make myself go before a long run. 

For fueling, gu and shot blocks feel like a lead weight in my stomach, but I do like powerbar energy gels, sport beans, peanut butter and gatorade. Any of those and I feel good. Try them on runs where you will have access to bathrooms, just in case!

Gummybear

OK ladies, I did the PowerBar gel today. I strategically did it at mile 8, when I knew I had adequate access to bathrooms for the rest of my run. I kept it in my bra so it was pretty warm, was easy to eat and I did NOT have any tummy issues. I only ran a little over 2 more miles, so I don't know if that is long enough to judge, but I felt fine. And I was shocked at what a little burst of energy it gave me.

Thanks for all your advice

clseale13

Gummybear:

OK ladies, I did the PowerBar gel today. I strategically did it at mile 8, when I knew I had adequate access to bathrooms for the rest of my run. I kept it in my bra so it was pretty warm, was easy to eat and I did NOT have any tummy issues. I only ran a little over 2 more miles, so I don't know if that is long enough to judge, but I felt fine. And I was shocked at what a little burst of energy it gave me.

Thanks for all your advice

Glad it worked out! I love the power bar gels. They're much easier to take than Gu (much thinner consistency) & don't mess with my stomach like the beans. It's so individual, but hopefully you found something that will continue to wok for you.  

JoBell123

Another thing to try - instead of regular water, try drinking SmartWater.  With drinking regular water, I added over 5min to my first half marathon time due to bathroom breaks.  Then my best friend, husband and I went out to brunch and the two of them had a lovely meal while I was otherwise indisposed.

I went to my doctor and he said that the added electrolytes help calm the digestive track.  Since switching to SmartWater for long runs, I haven't had that problem.

I also use SportsBeans to fuel, which haven't upset my tummy at all.  Though I always get what I call "race day tummy" and need to stop several times prior to the race, but then am fine while running.