Stomach discomfort while running

[Runninggirl22]

I am on day 8 of Whole30 and have been feeling really good the last few days. This morning I went for my first run since starting the program and I immediately felt hungry but also had an unsettled feeling in my stomach. My energy level felt normal but I couldn't shake the weird feeling in my stomach. I am training for my fourth half marathon (2nd post baby). I ended up switching to intervals and every time I stopped running the feeling would go away.

This morning I ate eggs with sweet potato hash, green pepper, onions and some strawberries about an hour before I ran.

Does anyone have advice or similar issues?

I read on other threads about not having starchy food before hand but have also heard the opposite that it might be because of the eggs.

[Charona]

Hi Runninggirl22!  Unfortunately I don't have the answer to your problem, but I am experiencing something similar.  I'm on day 18 - my stomach did fine for the first week and a half, but after that when I've tried to run, I can't run for long before I have to go to the bathroom (immediately) which is rather unfortunate because that's something I hoped would improve during the whole30!  Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Runninggirl22]

Hey Charona,

I know that tends to happen a lot with runners. Not really sure why. I hope your problem gets easier! Nothing worse than having your legs feel good on a run and having to stop for another reason.

My discomfort isn't that type it's like hunger pains (I think?) but yet when I'm not actually running it stops immediately. I did a spin class today and that seemed to go better since it's more interval training rather than a steady run.

[ultrarunnergirl]

How long before your run did you eat? Strawberries aren't terribly high in fructose, but it could have been enough to affect your digestive tract. Fruit and running don't mix well for most people.

[lllusion]

This morning I ate eggs with sweet potato hash, green pepper, onions and some strawberries about an hour before I ran.

 

Sounds like far too many calories too close to a workout. Max 600 calories 3 hours prior to a workout in low fibre content is best.

 

I know that tends to happen a lot with runners. Not really sure why. I hope your problem gets easier! Nothing worse than having your legs feel good on a run and having to stop for another reason.

 

The reason is because of what's known as runner's trots. Read this. Whole30 may be positively affecting your digestive system and making it more sensitive to fibre, intake timing, and food choices. 

[ChicagoFoodie]

I'm having the same issue too. Although I don't feel like I have to use the bathroom, but have extreme discomfort while I run. I normally can run 3-4 miles on a given day and now I can barely do 2. I eat a handful of nuts, nut butter and coffee with coconut milk about 30 mins before workout. Is this too much fat? Is there such a thing?

[ladyshanny]

I'm having the same issue too. Although I don't feel like I have to use the bathroom, but have extreme discomfort while I run. I normally can run 3-4 miles on a given day and now I can barely do 2. I eat a handful of nuts, nut butter and coffee with coconut milk about 30 mins before workout. Is this too much fat? Is there such a thing?

Nuts and nut butters and coconut products (for some people) can be hard on the digestion to begin with, let alone right before you run. Try a hard boiled egg with a bit of homemade mayo, avocado or olives.