Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Marathon Running Before/after Going gluten-free


KCG91

Recommended Posts

KCG91 Enthusiast

Hi all,

 

I was diagnosed this summer while training for my first marathon (it was stomach trouble on long runs, which persisted into the evening that put the warning flags up!) and put my not brilliant race time down in part to coeliac.

I just wondered if there are any coeliacs here who also do distance running and how it is affected by (or affects) coeliac. I'm pretty sure it was the strain my body was under during training (and all that bread and pasta *shudders*) that made mine noticeable enough to get tested.

I'm particularly keen to hear from anyone who's run pre- and post-diagnosis and what changes you found. Is tapering off training while I'm first off gluten (and my guts are hopefully repairing!) necessary? Also, any nutritional supplements/gels/chewies to stay away from or that people recommend?

Finally (I'm also a vegetarian) this website has some brilliant training recipes, a lot of which are gluten-free or easily adapted. Open Original Shared Link
 

Happy running :)

 


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



w8in4dave Community Regular

Ohh my gosh!! I cannot imagine being a runner and having Celiac!! Kudo's to you!! I am just now starting to walk a mile!! sometimes it makes me feel wonderful sometimes it makes me feel like I ran a 100 mile marathon .. Like I said Kudos to you! 

KCG91 Enthusiast

Aha thankyou! I've gone from hating running at school to being really 'grateful' to it, because it was excessive runner's tummy trouble and decreasing performance that alerted me to something being wrong - I'd no noticeable symptoms before so who knows if/when I'd have been diagnosed otherwise. It also gives me a real incentive (because like I say, my symptoms don't really affect me day to day) to stick to gluten-free and stay healthy because I want to improve my running. 
Well done on the walking - it's a mile further than the guy on the couch (most of whom don't have coeliac to worry about!)

 

cyclinglady Grand Master

I've only run a 1/2 marathon a year ago,  but I've done Century Rides for years.  I was training for a ride when I fractured my vertebrae doing nothing (complications from Celiac Disease).  As a result, I had to stop running and riding and was left with water aerobics and walking.  I've now started up with running and am up to 3.4 miles each time.  I am not going to do a Century ride this fall but will hopefully get back on track this spring.  

 

You didn't let us know if you have any other complications from celiac disease (e.g. iron deficiency, bone issues, other deficiencies), so it's hard to give sound advice.  If your doctor clears you for intense exercise, then go for it.  If you decide to be patient and give your body time to heal, you might prevent injuries.   The good news is that you are young and should heal fast!  Remember, there will always be a marathon to participate in.  

 

Good luck.  

 

P.S.  I like Gu, bananas, cookies, and Gatoraide for my rides, but I'm a meat/fish eater and ate copious amounts of protein while training, plus complex carbs.   I saved simple carbs for energy during my rides.  

Kassia Newbie

I went from barely able to drag myself out of bed exhausted to completing a marathon a year later -- that's the difference going gluten-free made in my life. Granted I walked that marathon (after the husband's knee surgery and extensive recovery, I decided my knee tendons didn't need the misery of running). Since then, I've done several half marathons with friends, and am training for another right now.

 

As far as training went, there were no issues with being gluten-free (except making sure I had the right kind of energy bars on hand -- there are lots of great gluten-free options). For my pre-race (or pre-long walk) carbo loading, I went with rice instead of wheat-based pasta, rice being easier to locate for out-of-town events. During the races, I made sure I had Gatorade on hand; yes, some water stations also had Gatorade, but not always. And there are some companies that hand out various gels and whatnot during the event. I avoid those because I don't find them tasty...and unless it's a brand I know well, I'm not going to try a new food mid-race.

 

Good luck!

GottaSki Mentor

Welcome KCG!

 

You have had excellent advice...just wanted to say be sure to listen to your body while you heal.  Once you have some time under your belt, there is no reason you will not be able to complete anything you set your mind on and likely feel very strong while doing so :)

 

We use Gu Gels:

 

Gu = Gluten Free

 

Cliff Shots and Bars ARE NOT.

KCG91 Enthusiast

Wow, thanks guys :)

 

cyclinglady, no other problems other than marginal anaemia (which I suspect is villi related and will clear up as I heal). The vertebrae sounds painful...another complication I haven't swotted up on yet. I think I'm going to go easy until Christmas then begin training properly again.
 

Kassia and GottaSki, thanks for the tips on gels. I get on OK with Gu gels but really like Clif bloks so that's a real disappointment! Not impressed with their labelling though - it isn't anywhere on the packaging or easy to find on their website. Gu chomps it is then!

GottaSki, funny you should mention 'listening' to my body...at mile 18 EVERYONE running around me was listening to my stomach roaring. Funny to look back on now!

 


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



GottaSki Mentor

Wow, thanks guys :)

 

 

Kassia and GottaSki, thanks for the tips on gels. I get on OK with Gu gels but really like Clif bloks so that's a real disappointment! Not impressed with their labelling though - it isn't anywhere on the packaging or easy to find on their website. Gu chomps it is then!

GottaSki, funny you should mention 'listening' to my body...at mile 18 EVERYONE running around me was listening to my stomach roaring. Funny to look back on now!

 

 

I'd imagine things will be much quieter out there now ;)

 

we've been using Gu for a long time...got a lot of Clif Shot freebies during bike races...bummed they are not safe...more bummed that Gu doesn't have the great little package with the leash for when you have torn it open. 

KCG91 Enthusiast

GottaSki, yeah Clif sponsored my marathon so they were handing out Bloks throughout. And selling them cheap at the sports expo... my boyfriend's happy though, he's just obtained a lot for free! And yeah I hope it's quieter - I don't have another race til the end of March so fingers crossed!

  • 3 weeks later...
aallenba Newbie

I use GU chomps and GU gel with no issues. I prefer the chomps vs the gel and they even say gluten free and diary free on the packet. I have not been able to verify if the Peanut Butter GU gel is gluten free as it isn't on the packet and I am too lazy to call.

 

I also use NUUN for hydration especially during the summer months.

 

Being diagnosed and going gluten free has really helped my training as I don't feel so tired all the time (anemia) and my pace has gotten faster.

  • 2 weeks later...
sophiemarian Newbie

Was just diagnosed a month ago, and was glad to have some answers to all the symptoms I've been having.  I have been running multiple half-marathons over the last few years, but not well.  I haven't had any energy to train.  It's all I could do to get out of bed to go to work and sit through a day there. I had 3 broken bones in two years, and couldn't put the pieces together.  But now that I know what the culprit was...it all makes a lot more sense.  

 

Still getting energy back to run like I used to, but I'm hoping that will come.   And still figuring out what to eat now to get all the protein/carbs I need.  I did learn that the Power Bar Energy Blasts have gluten in them (but the gus don't).  

 

I ran a half this past weekend, wasn't fast, but was more to get out and enjoy the weather and the crowds and just enjoy the day.  Never seen life through the eyes of someone with Celiac before.  All the post race foods at this race (with the exception of a half of a banana) had gluten in them - the beer garden, slices of difference kinds of bread, pizza, chicken noodle soup cups.  Learned to put snacks in my car (or checked bag I can eat after the race).  

 

Best of luck to you!  

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - knitty kitty replied to pothosqueen's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      16

      Positive biopsy

    2. - knitty kitty replied to Jordan Carlson's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      Fruits & Veggies

    3. - knitty kitty replied to pothosqueen's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      16

      Positive biopsy

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,034
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    PitbullTeacher
    Newest Member
    PitbullTeacher
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):
  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      In the study linked above, the little girl switched to a gluten free diet and gained enough weight that that fat pad was replenished and surgery was not needed.   Here's the full article link... Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in a 6-Year-Old Girl with Final Diagnosis of Celiac Disease https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6476019/
    • knitty kitty
      Hello, @Jordan Carlson, So glad you're feeling better.   Tecta is a proton pump inhibitor.  PPI's also interfere with the production of the intrinsic factor needed to absorb Vitamin B12.  Increasing the amount of B12 you supplement has helped overcome the lack of intrinsic factor needed to absorb B12. Proton pump inhibitors also reduce the production of digestive juices (stomach acids).  This results in foods not being digested thoroughly.  If foods are not digested sufficiently, the vitamins and other nutrients aren't released from the food, and the body cannot absorb them.  This sets up a vicious cycle. Acid reflux and Gerd are actually symptoms of producing too little stomach acid.  Insufficient stomach acid production is seen with Thiamine and Niacin deficiencies.  PPI's like Tecta also block the transporters that pull Thiamine into cells, preventing absorption of thiamine.  Other symptoms of Thiamine deficiency are difficulty swallowing, gagging, problems with food texture, dysphagia. Other symptoms of Thiamine deficiency are symptoms of ADHD and anxiety.  Vyvanse also blocks thiamine transporters contributing further to Thiamine deficiency.  Pristiq has been shown to work better if thiamine is supplemented at the same time because thiamine is needed to make serotonin.  Doctors don't recognize anxiety and depression and adult onset ADHD as early symptoms of Thiamine deficiency. Stomach acid is needed to digest Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in fruits and vegetables.  Ascorbic acid left undigested can cause intestinal upsets, anxiety, and heart palpitations.   Yes, a child can be born with nutritional deficiencies if the parents were deficient.  Parents who are thiamine deficient have offspring with fewer thiamine transporters on cell surfaces, making thiamine deficiency easier to develop in the children.  A person can struggle along for years with subclinical vitamin deficiencies.  Been here, done this.  Please consider supplementing with Thiamine in the form TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) which helps immensely with dysphagia and neurological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms.  Benfotiamine helps with improving intestinal health.  A B Complex and NeuroMag (a magnesium supplement), and Vitamin D are needed also.
    • knitty kitty
      @pothosqueen, Welcome to the tribe! You'll want to get checked for nutritional deficiencies and start on supplementation of B vitamins, especially Thiamine Vitamin B 1.   There's some scientific evidence that the fat pad that buffers the aorta which disappears in SMA is caused by deficiency in Thiamine.   In Thiamine deficiency, the body burns its stored fat as a source of fuel.  That fat pad between the aorta and digestive system gets used as fuel, too. Ask for an Erythrocyte Transketolace Activity test to look for thiamine deficiency.  Correction of thiamine deficiency can help restore that fat pad.   Best wishes for your recovery!   Interesting Reading: Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in a 6-Year-Old Girl with Final Diagnosis of Celiac Disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31089433/#:~:text=Affiliations,tissue and results in SMAS.  
    • trents
      Wow! You're pretty young to have a diagnosis of SMA syndrome. But youth also has its advantages when it comes to healing, without a doubt. You might be surprised to find out how your health improves and how much better you feel once you eliminate gluten from your diet. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that, when gluten is consumed, triggers an attack on the villous lining of the small bowel. This is the section of the intestines where all our nutrition is absorbed. It is made up of billions of tiny finger-like projections that create a tremendous surface area for absorbing nutrients. For the person with celiac disease, unchecked gluten consumption generates inflammation that wears down these fingers and, over time, greatly reduces the nutrient absorbing efficiency of the small bowel lining. This can generate a whole host of other nutrient deficiency related medical problems. We also now know that the autoimmune reaction to gluten is not necessarily limited to the lining of the small bowel such that celiac disease can damage other body systems and organs such as the liver and the joints and cause neurological problems.  It can take around two years for the villous lining to completely heal but most people start feeling better well before then. It's also important to realize that celiac disease can cause intolerance to some other foods whose protein structures are similar to gluten. Chief among them are dairy and oats but also eggs, corn and soy. Just keep that in mind.
    • pothosqueen
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.