Note: Sadly, this is not a fun “playing doctor” story. I’ll just throw that out there now, so I don’t promote any false expectations. (That’s not to say there won’t ever be a fun story of that ilk, though, if I get my way…)
But this, this is a story about vomiting (so I guess it maybe counts as TMI?), and a request for advice.
You may not remember, but this past summer I had an unfortunate end-of-race incident, where I proceeded to puke just as I crossed the finish line. That was my ninth race, but it was the first time I’d ever been truly nauseous.
Sadly, it was not the last time.
My body seems to have made this a habit. It’s like a sick game of Duck, Duck, Goose: Run, Run, Vomit – but only during races.
About a month ago, I wrote about the Philly half-marathon, and how I had such a great time. And that was true. The part I left out was where, upon crossing the finish line, I promptly made it over to the medical tent and said, “Excuse me, I’m going to throw up – is there a trash can I could use?” But of course, when there was a receptacle at the ready, I managed to reel it in, and not need it.
Oh no, I managed to wait until we pulled into the restaurant where my parents were taking us for brunch.
And then I left my insides on the parking lot pavement, simultaneously holding my hair back and holding my medal away from my face to avoid splatter on the prize. (Priorities, you know.)
Most recently, at the Marine Corps 10k, I made it past the finish line only to book it to the sideline, squeeze myself between two people who were already there, and throw up over the barrier. (Note: to my knowledge, I did not get anything on them. They did, however, quickly leave.)
And that was the last straw. I finally made a doctor’s appointment. Then I had another with specialist. And now I have another lined up for tomorrow. The verdict so far?
“Just stop running races.“
Well, call it stubborn if you must, but I refuse to stop. There has to be another way.
And that’s where you guys come in: you’re all smart cookies – what in the hell could this possibly be? Anything you can think of: suggestions, questions that could trigger a revelation, personal experiences (though, I hope for your sakes those are few and far between), anything at all.
If you crack the case, I may even find you this hat:
And if that’s not incentive, I don’t know what is.
That is weird. Are you maybe eating something before the race that doesn’t sit well after you run? Getting enough fluids? Or maybe eating too close before the race? Do you get overheated?
Those are the only things I can think of. Even if you eat say 2 hours before your race, try doing it 3 hours before. Eat something that won’t sit heavy on your stomach. Make sure you are hydrating yourself. I know that I have a very low tolerance to heat and I’ll either want to throw up or pass out (thankfully haven’t done either yet).
I hope you stop vomiting post-races!
Thanks! Me too. And, even though I don’t usually feel dehydrated, I’ve definitely been trying to drink more water during the day. Good call.
It’s probably what you have been eating pre-race. Or maybe you’re not eating enough.
I unfortunately have a pretty bad problem as well, as I always get the infamous “runner trots” after my long runs. How fun.
Oh yeah, been there, done that. So much fun with the porta-potties, right?
huh. this is a new concept for me, because due to my Extreme Suckiness at running, i’ve never before run far enough / long enough to induce sickness. i’m the wimpy type who goes “omg, i feel like i’m going to puke” and finds that to be an extremely convenient excuse for stopping. run/walking: it’s totally sort of like running! ish!
I definitely pull the run/walk when I’m on my own, but in a group, well, my pride gets the better of me.
I wish I had something for you. But I’m not a runner. I’m not a doctor and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night so I can’t even pretend to be.
But my layman brain definitely thinks it’s something dietary; whether it’s what you’re eating, when you’re eating it or what you’re not eating. Maybe just try running and watching your intake? Get a feel for whether it happens regardless of what you eat first? I don’t know.
I like the Holiday Inn reference. Well played. And yeah, I’m definitely still experimenting with what I eat and when. I figure a pattern has to show up sooner or later, no?
I was going to say is it something you eat or when you eat, but that answer was taken. Twice. Do you have the same routine when you prep as when you race? It could just be a combination of nerves and adrenalin that doesn’t happen when you train. And, I don’t know if this makes sense, but are you just puking, or are you sick?
Of course, I still remember my DIs telling us when we did our physical fitness test, “If you ain’t puking, you ain’t trying.” Which, when you’re only running three miles, is kinda the truth. Running three miles now, though, might actually kill me.
I think I know what you mean – I’m not actually *sick*, just puking. But I’m thinking you may be right with the nerves and adrenaline. Which is, of course, probably the hardest thing to find a solution to.
I was also going to suggest that it might be nerves/anxiety, if everything is normal. (ie. You haven’t eaten anything abnormal, etc.)
Perhaps you should do some relaxation exercises before you run.
I wish I know the answer, but I somehow have a similar experience. Way back then, my friends and I had a dance performance and at the middle of the dance while we had to change props and costume, I nearly puked. I don’t know if it’s the manifestation of being really nervous before we performed, but I’d like to think it’s nothing serious. I was not even sick.
Running pushes your body to the extreme- and for some athletes it often results on vomiting. I bet it happens on the NFL field and any place where you are pushed to the limit. So I can see why a doctor would say to stop running. I mean if it hurts when you do something- just stop doing it right?