First Half Marathon... need som tips!
I am 2 years post VSG... I am doing my first half marathon and could use some tips! This is a repost from the VSG board, sorry if it's a repeat for some!
So I'm not really much of a runner but my goal for 2012 was to train for the Rock 'N Roll half marathon (which is a week away). I'm not sure if I should be changing any of my eating at all pre run... I know I don't need to go crazy and carb load before and the energy gel packs that most runners love make me dump (really bad experience on a 9 mile run). Any suggestions on how to eat leading up to the race and on race day? I'd hate to start having stomach issues a few miles in! Thanks!
~ Nikki ~ Loving my rad new life!
VSG 1/4/2011
Lost 150lbs, gained back 50lbs.
Back on track and hope to
compete as a Powerlifter soon!!
I just ran my first 1/2 at the Las Vegas RnR in December. Being that I'm RNY and dump, my gastric issues may be slightly different but my one word of advice is: GAS-X! The chewables I buy in bulk because they help me from having the .... um..... ok, I'll say it... Sharting. I had to practice alot on long runs with what nutrition was going to work for me and I found that a Clif Block for runs >5 miles don't make me dump and I can handle a GU for runs >7 miles. Bananas have become my friend too. Race day, eat what you know - don't try ANYTHING new! And make sure you're not backed up with poo in the few days before too!
First ultra: Stone Mill 50 miler 11/15/14 13:44:38, First Full Marathon: Marine Corps 10/27/13 4:57:11, Half Marathon PR 2:04:43 at Shamrock VA Beach Half-Marathon, 12/2/12 First Half-Marathon 2:32:47, 5K PR Run Under the Lights 5K 27:23 on 11/23/13, 10K PR 52:53 Pike's Peek 10K 4/21/13, (1st timed run) Accumen 8K 51:09 10/14/12.
Have you tried watering down the gel packs?
That was what I did until I got used to them. I would add a couple of them to my water bottle and shake it up. Then I was taking in small quantities of calories/carbs/sugar whatever you want to call it. My stomach didn't complain when I did that. It was only unhappy if I took in a large quantity of it at once.
Anything you try, give it a shot at home, then on a short run, then on longer runs. Give it a test drive and make sure it works for you before you put yourself in a bad place.
I have also tried the sports beans, and gel shotblocks, but eating is harder when you are running than it is on a bicycle. I really like taking my calories in via liquid. You get your water and your calories at the same time.
The first time you do something - It's going to be a personal record!
