Marathon Running + Gluten Free

[Saranaomi]

Hi, I am currently training for a marathon and have attempted a gluten free diet due to feeling so swollen whenever I eat gluten. I didn't know it was from the gluten until recently and I'm pretty convinced at this point-but since I've stopped eating bread and things-my energy has plummeted for running-I've been eating a lot of rice, quinoa, some potatoes-but it almost seems like gluten has a special energy about it...any thoughts?

[cyclinglady]

No, there's nothing special about gluten regarding energy.  Something else must be going on.  If you think you have celiac disease or an intolerant, you should get tested.  At the same time, ask about an iron test, including ferritin, plus, a thyroid panel.  Those are the only two things that I can think of that would slow you down.  

 

Protein is what helped me go long distances on my bike or running (not eaten during).  

[KCG91]

I know the feeling - it was decreasing performance while training for a marathon which alerted me to the fact that something was wrong. It took two weeks before began to feel more energetic going off gluten (back on it now for more tests, sob) - when did you give it up?. I don't know much about it (new to this all) but is gluten withdrawal a possibility? Are you replacing like for like (eg gluten-free pasta for G pasta), otherwise it might be to do with dietary changes more generally?
I don't know if it's any help to you but my favourite gluten-free running foods are polenta, quinoa, gluten-free pasta, plantain, fresh popcorn, eggs, avocado and and peanut butter (assuming you're not off any of those foods!)
Good luck!
 

[Curious9]

Hello!

 

I am also suspecting gluten intolerance. I have been gluten free for a week and a half and my GI issues have significantly improved. I have also been eating lots of rice, rice noodles, quinoa, gluten free bread, and cereals and just more food all around. I'm also feeling more tired than usual. I'm generally fatigued (I had to give up running a couple months ago because I was too tired and busy) but since going gluten free, I've notice a huge increase in my fatigue level. Friday, while I was supposed to be studying, I fell asleep at my desk! When I eventually woke up, I went to bed and slept for the rest of the afternoon! I think it must be related to withdrawal. I've been having many other symptoms of withdrawal such as headaches, increased dizziness, and increased pins and needles, chills, etc.

Perhaps it could also be a part of recovery. Maybe the body thinks "Yay! I don't have to be on guard anymore. Finally! Now let me rest and repair!" I am just guessing of course, but maybe you should be easy on yourself for a little while?

 

Best of luck!

[nvsmom]

My guess is also that you are experiencing gluten withdrawal. For me, it lasted about 10 days or so and caused headaches, fatigue and some serious crankiness. That fatigue was pretty profound, I remember it well...

 

It also takes a while for people with a gluten intolerance to feel better once gluten-free. Some start to improve within days, but others find it takes weeks or months, and some symptoms can get worse before they get better (unfortunately). Sadly, going gluten-free is not a fast fix - it's takes a while.

 

Best wishes with your training.