[Kate60]

For those who have major gut, read large intestine, issues, bad enough that you seek medical or nutritionist advice/supervision. Can you tell me what is working for you. What you can tolerate the night before, morning of and during a long (3+ hours) race/workout.<br><br>
Does anyone know if using Immodium can impair nutrient absorption over a long distance race.<br><br>
I am still having difficulty nailing nutrition, I know what I can tolerate, I just can't figure out what sends me over the edge into gut distress. I think heat even moderate temps makes a huge difference, but can't seem to find a pattern with anything else.

 

[RunningForT3]

I'm glad you asked the question...<br>
I take Immodium before each race over one hour. But I'm wondering.. can it cause problems at very long races? (like over 5 hours). Is there other pill you'd recommend?

 

[kristine25]

I still haven't nailed this one but I do take 1 immodium during a long run/race otherwise I am in serious trouble.<br><br>
For me, drinking a cup of coffee in the morning, long enough before I run, to get things flushed out if you know what I mean, helps a lot.<br><br>
If I run in the middle of the day and not in the morning, it's anyone's guess.

 

[melonella]

After having gut problems at Eagleman last year, I started trying out Immodium and did pretty well with it. Only sure fire way to tell is to try it. Start with just a regular long workout, then a long higher intensity workout, then a C race.

 

[Swimmerbee]

I found two things that help try way in advance and get dr's advice on the iron option<br>
1) very low dose iron (I split a 30mg tablet and take the 1/2 every other day) for a week before<br>
2) beef or eggs the night before. Sure its not adding to last minute glycogen stores but it seems to control my gut well during the races<br>
try having gut issues in a long ow swim!

 

[Kate60]

Can you explain this a bit more. PM me if you don't want public disclosure. Thanks.

 

[kcwoodhead]

Sorry I haven't responded earlier - I've been reading but too busy to partake!!<br><br>
I take 1 immodium before every long week, every week. Things don't usually get "moving" in the morning for me, if you know what I mean. For longer races (marathon, HIM), I take 2 immodium. For my IM last year, I'm not sure if I took anything or not considering I wouldn't be pounding on the run for at least 9 hours, so I didn't think it would still be effective at that point. I did have it with me I know, I just don't remember if I took any during the race or not.<br><br>
So, if there are any bad issues, I don't seem to notice them. there have been a few runs where I haven't taken anything because things did get "moving" in the morning and I notice no difference at all between taking immodium and not taking it.<br><br>
I also can usually eat normally the night before - but not heavy mexican or anything that has a reputation.<br><br>
I drink slim fast (krogar brand, regular formula, 230 calories/can) before every long run/long ride/race. I usually don't eat anything solid and if I do it is a banana. I haven't had any problems at all with the slim fast.