Upset stomach when running

[Deleted User]

I was wondering if anybody could recommend anything to help prevent an upset stomach when running? I suffer badly from stomach cramps and regularly have to stop to go to the loo when I'm out. I am running the Frankfurt Marathon in October and would really like to get the problem under control as it will obviously damage my time if I have to stop during the race. I'm not too sure whether this can be controlled through diet or taking something before I run. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks.

Millsy

I try not to eat too much or close to going out for a run, try to avoid too much fibre or spicy food before a run. Caffeine sometimes affects me too.

It's all about experimenting and finding out what works for you.

tricialitt

Agree about the caffeine- watch what your gels contain! Immodium instants are your friend!  only for race day, really, if you use them on all your traing runs, you'll end up very constipated.

Redjeep

Apparently (according to Tim Noakes in his excellent book, Lore of Running), its very common with over 60% of runners getting it and more men than women. He reckons its generally due to a mild lactose intolerance, so stay of the milk before you run.

Its probably a good idea to avoid the spicy stuff and anything else that could upset your stomach.

[Deleted User]

Thank you for the above replies. The great news is that I ran the Frankfurt Marathon without having to stop. I stuck to dry toast in the morning but it did the job. I also managed to identify that eating a banana before I run does me no good at all. Thank you for the tips about milk because I do often have a cup of tea before I run in the morning and this may not be helping. 

Thanks for the advice!

Redjeep

No problem.

 

I had a bad case of this yesterday on my long (20 mile) run, but was just about able to get to a petrol station (with a loo !) before the world fell out of my bottom.

 

I think it was because I'd had a big bowl of porridge about an hour before. I normally just have toast.

 

[Deleted User]

I find toast is always the best option!!! Keep it dry! 

[Deleted User]

Go easy on the fibre...I have a small portion of fruit with probiotic yoghurt and a couple of slices of toast.  

Also you need to allow enough time to digest or as I have found I have to stop for a loo break on runs.