Being a runner has many wonderful side effects but one of them is NOT runner’s trots or runner’s stomach — diarrhea that endurance runners experience when going the distance. In fact, GI distress and running almost go hand in hand. I mean, it’s no coincidence that “runs” is a double entendre. “My long runs give me long runs…” You get the picture. But new science into runner’s nutrition has unlocked a new fueling strategy for runners: gut training.
My first experience with bonking & runner’s trots
I ran my first marathon in college — the Marine Corps Marathon, in honor of my former Marine dad who ran this race every year when I was a kid. As a student at Georgetown University, the start was right down the street from my apartment, and I trained using a Jeff Galloway plan that I tailored to my own needs. I honestly didn’t really know what I was doing. I didn’t pay attention to mobility or rest days. And I certainly didn’t pay attention to fueling for running — unless you count copious amounts of Natty Ice the night before I run. (Sorry, mom, if you’re reading this…).
I felt great during the marathon until I hit the wall (aka bonking) when my stomach started cramping…bad. I was able to jog-walk to the finish and get my goal time of a Boston-Qualifying 3:29. Then it was straight to the bathroom. Repeatedly. I remember…