Celiac and long-distance running

[97133620]

Hello, does anyone out there have any experience with having celiac disease and long distance running?  I was diagnosed less than 3 months ago and I have run 14 marathons.  Eating a lot of pasta etc was part of my life, so it's been a bit of a change switching the glute-free varieties.

 

If you are an endurance athlete and have been diagnosed with celiac disease, how did you cope with the transition?  Did it affect your athletic performance?

Thanks

[jdalzell]

46 minutes ago, 97133620 said:

Hello, does anyone out there have any experience with having celiac disease and long distance running?  I was diagnosed less than 3 months ago and I have run 14 marathons.  Eating a lot of pasta etc was part of my life, so it's been a bit of a change switching the glute-free varieties.

 

If you are an endurance athlete and have been diagnosed with celiac disease, how did you cope with the transition?  Did it affect your athletic performance?

Thanks

You’ll be better than ever gluten-free.  Just make sure you take B vitamins since gluten-free breads are not fortified.

[Scott Adams]

Also be sure to get enough fiber.

[cyclinglady]

Three months after my diagnosis, I fractured two vertebrae doing NOTHING!  Found out that I had osteoporosis.  So, I spent the next six months doing just gentle exercise and stayed off my bike for a year.  

I never did a full marathon, but did many mini-triathalons and century rides.  I did a 1/2 marathon despite being anemic just before my diagnosis.  But after seeing all those runners at the first aid tent with ice on their knees (it was like the scene from the movie “Gone with the Wind”), I decided a full marathon was not for me (even though I trained well and did not need any ice).  I prefer cycling and swimming, but that is just me.  

Anyhow, I am back on my bike again.  Just rode this morning to the beach.  My trail runs are usually just 3.5 miles.  

Take it easy,  give yourself time to heal.  You will be back to normal.  All that carb loading?  Not necessary.   I follow a low carb diet and even exercise while fasting.  

[NNowak]

Yep!!  More energy and endurance than I knew what to do with!!  I did not normally eat potatoes, pasta or bread unless I had a race or needed to put weight on. You will be be fine. I had an autoimmune flare so I’ve been away from training for a few years, but anxious to return. Really, you will be amazed at the amount of energy realized once you’re on your way to recovery. 

[97133620]

Thanks everyone!  Can't wait until I heal, the 3 months since being diagnosed has felt like an eternity!

[Fenrir]

As far as nutrition goes, instead of pasta , rice will probably be your go to carb. You will want to be weary of any packaged items you come across at runs. I know they generally give out bags with goodies in them that sometimes are edible, so avoid those pre race unless you're sure they're gluten-free or it could make for an interesting run.