gluten-free 1 Month -- When Can I Start Running Again?

[Chaff]

Hi Everyone,

What role does exercise play in the celiac recovery phase?

I was training for an ultramarathon when I began suspecting a severe set of food intolerances. I became so weak from the elimination diet that I had to stop running (couldn't get enough calories; reacting to everything). I lost seven pounds on the elimination diet, a lot of which was my leg muscle, I think. Going back on gluten for the celiac testing got me the calories I needed but also made me exhausted.

A month ago I got diagnosed with celiac and began adding some gluten-free foods back in my diet, but I still have a hard time finding things I can eat (ten foods total are safe, but I can eat rice and tuna).

The question is -- should I wait until I've healed up more or should I start running again as part of the healing process? I had been running five miles and back to work every day; I bought a bike and now just commute to work that way (but I'm super slow).

Obviously, I want to do it, but I also don't want to be stupid. Any thoughts?

[kareng]

My yoga teacher would say " Respect your body. If it wants to run, run as far as you can without overdoing it". I think that is the general rule. Do what you can and sometimes push yourself a little.

Now I have got to know - Running to work? Do you have a place to shower? Do you carry make- up, work clothes, shampoo, etc in a back pack? Are you nuts? ( said with envy ).

[Chaff]

Meh, my body's kind of an idiot.

We do have showers and a tiny locker room. Running five miles to work is awesome!

[jebby]

It took me about 3 months of being on the gluten-free diet until I felt like I could begin to train and increase my distance....but everybody has a slightly different road to recovery. The best thing is to listen you your body's signals. Bear in mind that it can take up to 2 years for your GI tract to heal. I've also found that I have to be extremely careful with what I eat in the weeks leading up to a race, I usually stick with whole foods and forgo anything processed for about 10 to 14 days to prevent a pre-race glutening. Good luck!

[Chaff]

Thanks, jebby! I was thinking 3 months may be best for serious running. Probably some two-milers a couple times a week should be my limit before then.

Ugh, this gut healing thing is such a drama queen, am I right? Geez, you have my attention, just heal up already.

[KCG91]

Thanks, jebby! I was thinking 3 months may be best for serious running. Probably some two-milers a couple times a week should be my limit before then.

Ugh, this gut healing thing is such a drama queen, am I right? Geez, you have my attention, just heal up already.

Hehehaha that's the first coeliac-related comment that's made me laugh since my recent diagnosis!

Useful discussion too - I'm just diagnosed (noticed problems while training for my first marathon, and underachieved in the race largely, I think, due to coeliacs) and want to work out a balance between gut recovery/return to training.

 

[GF Lover]

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Colleen