Supplement Help

[mlb929]

I am struggling with my running. I'm marathon training again, my long runs are 18-20 mile runs, on these training runs, about mile 5-6, I've been struggling with "runs" of their own type. I've stopped taking magnesium at bed time the night before my long run, but I'm up and out the door (extremely early to beat the heat) before I get my regular business done. I'm hoping Unikey/Dr. Ann Louise, can suggest something to take the night before to avoid this early AM regularity. I don't want to take Imodium AD the night before my long run, but I"m about to think that's what's going to have to happen if this problem can't be resolve in another way.
Thanks

[lizbeck]

Well, you don't want to cause constipation. It sounds like your body is responding to the activity in a natural way. It would be good if you could go before your run. Could you do more magnesium or some Super GI Cleanse and maybe go first thing before your run?

[mlb929]

Well, you don't want to cause constipation. It sounds like your body is responding to the activity in a natural way. It would be good if you could go before your run. Could you do more magnesium or some Super GI Cleanse and maybe go first thing before your run?

Thanks, my problem is I get up at 4:00 and get out the door between 4:30 and 5:00. I do go when I first wake, but apparently, no good enough. My concern with more magnesium or more fiber would - 1. that dehydrate me and 2. would that have "more" effects than what I"m already having. My diet is healthy, with plenty of fiber in it, without too much to cause problems, and I don't suffer from being irregular. The regularity is what is getting me where I'm at.

Yes, I believe my body probably is responding in a natural way, and it's working like it should. But would there be any option to "slow" the process a little bit? When running 20+ miles, it's not always convenient to circle back home, by a public restroom, and would really not be helpful to a racing time if it happens during a race.

Other runners have suggested Immodium AD to me prior to long training runs, but my concern is taking and OTC product that is harsh, it's an OTC med taking off label reasons, and I would be concerned about dehydration again due to the med sucking liquids out of my body to reduce elimination. I was hoping there would be a more "natural" approach to this fitness related issue.

[Suerra]

Have you experimented with probiotics? It can help normalize what's going on, but I can't say for sure whether or not it's the solution you're looking for. Flora-Key has helped me a lot with regularity, I usually take it just before bed, and with my breakfast and hour after waking.

[lizbeck]

I'm going to send your request to Linda, our fitness expert. I understand that you don't want something harsh and unnatural.

[LindaLu7]

Try limiting or eliminating some of the following foods from 12-24 hours before your long run to see if it makes a difference.
High-fiber foods: Whole-grain foods, vegetables, legumes, and fruits that are high in fiber. You may have to experiment with your diet to figure out the optimal amount of fiber and how long before a run it can be consumed without causing gastrointestinal distress.
Coaching for marathons is a different type of eating entirely. I would clean-carb it up instead and load for energy with foods like bananas, ezekiel bread, brown rice, and oatmeal etc (These food are generally more binding, will stick with you longer and help fuel your run). Also, I would suggest cutting back the magnesium the night before your long runs. Here is a link with some other great suggestions for long distance runners as this is a common problem. http://www.livestrong.com/article/41...ause-diarrhea/

I am a Pose Method running Coach as well as Roadrunners Of America Certified Coach

[lizbeck]

Thank you so much Linda. This is great information.

[mlb929]

Thanks. Great article I'll try some other options. I never eat before my runs so figure it's from the day before. Ill refocus on that day too. Wondering how long the magnesium stays too. I tried not taking the night before that didnt matter wondering if I need to skip 2 days.

[Suerra]

What if you took the magnesium after your run, instead of the night before?

[LindaLu7]

What if you took the magnesium after your run, instead of the night before?

Great Suggestion! Suerra