Running and "running" - a ? for exercisers...

[CAMary]

Hi All!

Long time no chat! It's that "busier than busy" time of year around here - the end of school The boys have 2 weeks left - my daughter finished pre-K yesterday (no more tuition, yahoo!).

Well, after my final surgery in February, and the funk I got in after (when I have activity restriction and no permission to shower I get cranky ), I decided to set a goal to help boost my mood and give me a sense of accomplishment. Hubby started running about 2 years ago and lost 40 lbs...I decided to try running. I've not had a lot of success in the past (tendinitis etc...) but figured I'd give it a shot. I was on the track team in high school - but I was a long-jumper and hurdler - not a runner... I followed a "couch-to 5k training program" beginning in April - now I am on week 8, and I'm logging 2.75 miles per run. A 5K is 3.1 miles, and I have 2.5 weeks until our "race" - the town "fun run" benefitting the school district - so I'm in good shape to make it! So I'm *thrilled* with my progress, and can't believe *I* can run more than a mile SO, to get to the point, LOL, I am having intermittent problems with "D". It seems when I add a little distance and push myself, I end up on the throne about an hour afterwards Then I'll have a few runs w/o problems - but then it will happen again! Is this an MC thing? A running/strenuous exercise thing? Some weird quirk specific to my body? I guess it's good I have only one more distance increase - I'm not interested in pushing myself to run more than 3 miles - I'm injury-wary, and while the 5k has been a goal - I don't plan to run anything longer than that....Now I'm back in that worrisome mental place all MCers go to - mentally trying to map out all possible restrooms near the finish line...I *really* don't want to experience an "eposide" in a porta-potty!

The race is 6/15 - I'll let you all know how it goes - Mike & I will run together...

Oh yeah - and we're getting a puppy - a lab- the litter was born 5/17 - we get to go visit this weekend and make a preliminary choice - they got a mix of colors - so we don't know yet if we'll be going w/yellow, chocolate or black....the kids are *so* excited - we've even had them sign a contract to "poop scoop" We don't have much going on this summer, so it's good timing - and the kids can help train it etc...we should get to bring it home around mid-July.

So that's what's new here! If anyone has any idea about the running/runs thing, I'd love to hear it!

Mary

[barbaranoela]

Hiya Mary------- --- and good luck to U and Mike--

I cant answer about the running other than they say tis a healthy way to treat ya body---

And maybe the Xeration to your body makes stuff wanna move FASTER than U
I have to admire U for doing this---

The kids are growing like weeds too---boy remember when U were Xpecting---time goes to fast----

So i can just say happy to see U-----and congrats

luve Barbara

[Matthew]

Mary

If you Google “Runners Diarrhea” you will find lots of information. Its a common problem with many runners I know.

Matthew

[tex]

Hi Mary,

Wow! You've been busy. Congratulations for taking on such an ambitious program.

It appears that Matthew has already answered your question. I'm almost 100% sure that "runner's diarrhea" is what you are dealing with, but just to be on the safe side, I feel obligated to mention ischemic colitis, since runners seem to be much more prone to it than the general population. I'm pretty sure that you're already familiar with IC, but basically, if you should experiences lower leftside pain or cramps, and you pass any blood, please don't delay contacting your doctor, as it can be a very serious condition.

Common signs and symptoms of ischemic colitis include:

* Abdominal pain, tenderness or cramping, usually localized to the lower left side of your abdomen; the onset can be sudden or gradual
* Low-grade fever
* Bright red or maroon-colored blood in your stool or, at times, passage of blood without stool
* A feeling of urgency to move your bowels
* Diarrhea
* Nausea
* Vomiting

Without any blood, it's almost certainly simple "runner's diarrhea".

It's good to see a post from you again - and thanks for the update. The new dog will surely make the kids' summer, one to remember.

Tex

[hazel]

Hey Mary, you have read Marley and Me, right?

[jillian357]

Hi Mary,
I'm relatively new to this community, but I just had to reply as I am a runner too.

CONGRATS on your success running so far, and best of luck on your 5k!
I ran my first 5k last year (milestone for turning 40 I guess) and I have been hooked ever since-- I have run 7 5k's since then, including one on New year's Eve at midnight in the snow!
This year I plan on competing in a 1/2 marathon in October, God willing!

I have found that my CC has certainly added a *new* dimension to my running. Last year I had trouble with the "runners trots" so to speak, and this year since the CC has surfaced it's much worse. I ran 5 miles on Monday and had to stop 2x for a potty break. I have been feeling much better since beginning Entecort and removing triggers from my diet, but running still exacerbates my problem.

The best advice I can offer is Immodium before a run, and if you plan on continuing running, plan your routes around places you can use the bathroom. Immodium is a lifesaver for me before a long run, sometimes it takes up to 4 tablets, but it at least allows me to get out there and not have to worry as much about needing the bathroom urgently.

Oh! In case you're interested.....dogs can make GREAT running partners too! We got a new pup last year and she is the best running companion ever. I only take her on my short runs (2-3 miles max), and she cries and whines when I don't take her! She loves it too, and the vet has given us the A-ok to continue as long as it's not too hot outside.

Anyway, just my two cents worth.....I just had to congratulate you on your newfound running, and wish you luck again on your 5k!

~Jill

[Dee]

You Go Girl!!!
What an inspiration you are to all of us after going thru what you have and since your surgery!!
Sending Good Luck ((((((((((VIBES)))))))) your way..
I'll be all the way for you!!!

Love
Dee~~~~

[CAMary]

Holy smokes!

I knew I could count on the wise folks here to help me "unravel" my mystery! It never even crossed my mind to google "runners diarrhea"! It certainly seems to fit my criteria - though I'm no "distance" runner - 2.75 miles often *feels* like a marathon! This morning's run went well - I didn't add any distance, and I suspect I won't have trouble - until I up it again!

Leave it to me to choose an activity that has *D* as a side effect (maybe I should have stuck with )

Jillian - thanks for the tips - I guess this goal-setting/running deal is a 40ish thing - I was sidelined much of last year, when I turned 40 - but I'm making up for it now! Great about the dog as a running partner, too! I saw the Immodium tip, and I'm storing the idea away for future reference...

Kathy - I have not read "Marley and Me" - should I?

We get to visit the puppies tomorrow

Thanks again everyone - what a resource this place is!!

Mary

[Polly]

Congrats, CA Mary!

You should be proud. I am rooting for you in the 5K.

A new puppy! How wonderful!

Love,

Polly

P.S. Sometimes I get D after running, too, but it hasn't been a major problem.

[sunny]

RUNNING? the only running I do is to the bathroom!! Hah Hah Hah!!
but not anymore...knock on wood!! I am thinking of getting a recumbent bike, tho....back support and knee relief,etc. GOod heavens, I sound like an old lady!!! Oops, I are one!

[kate_ce1995]

Hi Mary,

Long time no "see"! I was thinking about sending out the possy for your, but then like you said...it's that busy time of year, so I haven't had time to myself either!

I get D sometimes after gardening even...seems like all that bending and such on a slightly sensitive (or more sensitive than "normal") colon doesn't go over well.

So a long jumper and hurdler, eh? I did long jump, triple jump and high jump in HS, and my sr. year added hurdles..I had a perfect 4 step between hurdles on the 100 m so wasn't too good at it (for those who haven't run them you want an odd number of steps so you always go over with the same lead leg). 300m hurdles hurt like heck, but I was better at it.

Well, off to work.
Have fun on the run...I'm trying to get more active too. WE are having a wellness challenge at work and I'm on our office team. I'll get points for the hours I spend playing 2 square and monkey in the middle too :) Too bad that doesn't seem to be enough for me to loose a few pounds (I think I go in for a snack after that too frequently!).

Katy

[tex]

Mary,

Incidentally, I overlooked the pun in your subject line, earlier - LOL.

Neat!

Tex