Retching during a race

Ososlo

So, I had a 5k race today. I was really going hard for a pb which I got. I took 1.5 minutes off my time. I was looking for 2, but this was just a bit beyond me today.
I did my first mile too fast. It was partly on an athletics track and I just got over excited as this was a first for me (plus, Jerry Kiernan was there:D)! Rookie mistake I know. So I slowed a bit for mile 2, not through choice may I add! Then I started getting sick. It was only a tiny bit but luckily I had gloves on so could do it discreetly enough. This slowed me obviously. I had lots in the legs, but this wretching really held me back. So my question is, is this normal? I know I’ve seen piles of puke at the finish line of many races, but not so much through the middle of a race! People normally seem to be able to keep it in!
So was I just going too fast for my ability? I did the third mile faster than the 2nd (after the puking experience), but slightly slower than the first, so once I got over the puking thing I was able to get back on the saddle. I didn’t feel sick at the end of the race but I did feel lightheaded.
This happened me at a 10k race about a month ago. Same thing. Middle of the race, I got sick. I was weraring a HR monitor that time so thought that maybe it was too tight and that was the problem, but didn’t wear it today. I’m not seeking medical advice by the way, just wondering if it is normal and something other people have experienced or is it abnormal. Thanks for reading!

drquirky

Ososlo wrote: »

So, I had a 5k race today. I was really going hard for a pb which I got. I took 1.5 minutes off my time. I was looking for 2, but this was just a bit beyond me today.
I did my first mile too fast. It was partly on an athletics track and I just got over excited as this was a first for me (plus, Jerry Kiernan was there:D)! Rookie mistake I know. So I slowed a bit for mile 2, not through choice may I add! Then I started getting sick. It was only a tiny bit but luckily I had gloves on so could do it discreetly enough. This slowed me obviously. I had lots in the legs, but this wretching really held me back. So my question is, is this normal? I know I’ve seen piles of puke at the finish line of many races, but not so much through the middle of a race! People normally seem to be able to keep it in!
So was I just going too fast for my ability? I did the third mile faster than the 2nd (after the puking experience), but slightly slower than the first, so once I got over the puking thing I was able to get back on the saddle. I didn’t feel sick at the end of the race but I did feel lightheaded.
This happened me at a 10k race about a month ago. Same thing. Middle of the race, I got sick. I was weraring a HR monitor that time so thought that maybe it was too tight and that was the problem, but didn’t wear it today. I’m not seeking medical advice by the way, just wondering if it is normal and something other people have experienced or is it abnormal. Thanks for reading!

Maybe you just have a bit of a sensitive stomach? Dunno- I like the effort though- pushing yourself hard enough so you feel like puking is kinda what you should be doing in a race....nice HTFU by banging out a 3rd mile quicker than your second after chucking up! Maybe don't eat close to the race in the future?

pconn062

You're not the first person to get a dodgy stomach when Jerry Kiernan is around!

Ososlo

drquirky wrote: »

Maybe you just have a bit of a sensitive stomach? Dunno- I like the effort though- pushing yourself hard enough so you feel like puking is kinda what you should be doing in a race....nice HTFU by banging out a 3rd mile quicker than your second after chucking up! Maybe don't eat close to the race in the future?

Ate 2.5 hours before race and only something very small but maybe I'll try nothing next time. Yes, it was one of the hardest things I've ever done (carrying on after the horrible experience) and i was very very close to opting out as I only live around the corner and had many tempting opportunities to sneak off the course! Thanks drquirky

Ososlo

pconn062 wrote: »

You're not the first person to get a dodgy stomach when Jerry Kiernan is around!

I thought the only thing you could catch from him was a bad-hair-day:p

rom

What did you have for the breakfast ?

RoyMcC

rom wrote: »

What did you have for the breakfast ?

Don't rom, this could get unpleasant :eek:

Ososlo

rom wrote: »

What did you have for the breakfast ?

I had a banana and half a bagel (nothing on it). Cup of coffee and tiny bit of water. Usual fare. I ate much closer to the start for my recent half marathon but obviously the pace was a lot slower so it wasn't an issue. Only seems to be an issue for shorter races, 5 & 10k where I'm pushing from the start.

crx===

Winter vomiting bug?

Ososlo

crx=== wrote: »

Winter vomiting bug?

I felt perfectly fine after the race and feel totally normal now so I don't think so. It's a recurring problem for me in races (well the last 2 races I've done)

menoscemo

Ososlo wrote: »

I had a banana and half a bagel (nothing on it). Cup of coffee and tiny bit of water. Usual fare. I ate much closer to the start for my recent half marathon but obviously the pace was a lot slower so it wasn't an issue. Only seems to be an issue for shorter races, 5 & 10k where I'm pushing from the start.

It's probably a bit too much a bit too close to a 5k.
I had this problem and found that eating less and longer before the race helped me. I also find that taking an anti nausea tablet an hour before the race can help.

Ososlo

menoscemo wrote: »

It's probably a bit too much a bit too close to a 5k.
I had this problem and found that eating less and longer before the race helped me. I also find that taking an anti nausea tablet an hour before the race can help.

thanks menoscemo. Would you consider having nothing at all? would there be any benefit at all to having just a tiny bit of food in your stomach as opposed to nothing at all?
What kind of anti nausea tab?
cheers

menoscemo

Ososlo wrote: »

thanks menoscemo. Would you consider having nothing at all? would there be any benefit at all to having just a tiny bit of food in your stomach as opposed to nothing at all?
What kind of anti nausea tab?
cheers

Yeah, if the race was early I would normally just have a coffee that morning.

Motillium or something similar. They are supposed to settle the stomach when you are sick, but I find they work in this situation too.

RayCun

Ososlo wrote: »

Ate 2.5 hours before race and only something very small but maybe I'll try nothing next time.

That should be loads of time, imo. I think it's more likely that you got the pace wrong - you were running too fast too soon in the race, your heart rate went up, you were starved of oxygen, and your body started rebelling. I get it sometimes at the end of workouts/races, and have seen it in plenty of other people. I'd advise you to concentrate on running at a sustainable pace, rather than avoiding food for hours beforehand, or taking tablets.

Ososlo

menoscemo wrote: »

Yeah, if the race was early I would normally just have a coffee that morning.

Xanax or something similar. They are supposed to settle the stomach when you are sick, but I find they work in this situation too.

worth a try anyways. Thanks:)

Ososlo

RayCun wrote: »

That should be loads of time, imo. I think it's more likely that you got the pace wrong - you were running too fast too soon in the race, your heart rate went up, you were starved of oxygen, and your body started rebelling. I get it sometimes at the end of workouts/races, and have seen it in plenty of other people. I'd advise you to concentrate on running at a sustainable pace, rather than avoiding food for hours beforehand, or taking tablets.

in some ways, it did feel more of an effort issue than a food issue. I'm confused.com right now:(
I know I went out too fast, but never see other people getting sick in the middle of a race, only at the end.

RayCun

Ososlo wrote: »

I know I went out too fast, but never see other people getting sick in the middle of a race, only at the end.

meno in the middle of a 10k
I think people usually slow down before they reach the vomiting stage. Except at the end, where they'll hold on to the finish line.

menoscemo

RayCun wrote: »

That should be loads of time, imo. I think it's more likely that you got the pace wrong - you were running too fast too soon in the race, your heart rate went up, you were starved of oxygen, and your body started rebelling. I get it sometimes at the end of workouts/races, and have seen it in plenty of other people. I'd advise you to concentrate on running at a sustainable pace, rather than avoiding food for hours beforehand, or taking tablets.

I disagree, for a 5k you should be pretty much at Max HR right from the start. I know if I am doing one I would only eat something small (like half a banana) 3hrs before the race. Maybe you can get away with more, but everyone is different.

RayCun

menoscemo wrote: »

I disagree, for a 5k you should be pretty much at Max HR right from the start.

That couldn't be right, because then what's your heart rate in a mile race? What's your heart rate in the final sprint?
I'd say max pace from the start, but you should still be running aerobically, and your heart rate should have somewhere to go.
(I don't track my heart rate, but my effort level climbs through the race)

menoscemo

RayCun wrote: »

That couldn't be right, because then what's your heart rate in a mile race? What's your heart rate in the final sprint?
I'd say max pace from the start, but you should still be running aerobically, and your heart rate should have somewhere to go.
(I don't track my heart rate, but my effort level climbs through the race)

My max is 187 and I would be at 180 within a mile of a 5k. Yes a slight climb at the end alright for the sprint finish but otherwise up at 95%+ for the whole race.

Clane 10k

Leixlip 5k:

RayCun

what would happen if you were at 187 bpm by the end of the first mile?

Clearlier

RayCun wrote: »

what would happen if you were at 187 bpm by the end of the first mile?

He would involuntarily slow down I would have thought.

OP - I never had a problem eating whatever I wanted before a long run. When racing or doing all out reps though I need to make sure that my stomach is completely empty. It depends upon your system and the food that you have eaten as to how long before a race that means avoiding any food. I once ate half a plain pitta bread 3 hours before a 10k just to keep the hunger pangs at bay. It was too close to the start for me.

menoscemo

RayCun wrote: »

what would happen if you were at 187 bpm by the end of the first mile?

Kaboom

Ososlo

Clearlier wrote: »

He would involuntarily slow down I would have thought.

OP - I never had a problem eating whatever I wanted before a long run. When racing or doing all out reps though I need to make sure that my stomach is completely empty. It depends upon your system and the food that you have eaten as to how long before a race that means avoiding any food. I once ate half a plain pitta bread 3 hours before a 10k just to keep the hunger pangs at bay. It was too close to the start for me.

interesting... I also had a slight stitch whilst doing a warm up mile which was obviously the food i had eaten. Might try going on empty next time for shorter race. Thanks

MrCreosote

What was your HR like up to the vomiting- were you totally maxing out?

BTW Xanax is a sedative, not for nausea. Falling asleep halfway through the race mightn't be the best for the old PB...

lway

MrCreosote wrote: »

BTW Xanax is a sedative, not for nausea. Falling asleep halfway through the race mightn't be the best for the old PB...

Yes, Xanax is usually prescribed to people with severe anxiety, AFAIK it's prescription only. It's also highly addictive and is only prescribed for a very short time as a result of this. I'd seriously avoid if possible.

Would something like Motilium settle the digestive system ?

RedRunner

Ososlo wrote: »

So, I had a 5k race today. I was really going hard for a pb which I got. I took 1.5 minutes off my time. I was looking for 2, but this was just a bit beyond me today.
I did my first mile too fast. It was partly on an athletics track and I just got over excited as this was a first for me (plus, Jerry Kiernan was there:D)! Rookie mistake I know. So I slowed a bit for mile 2, not through choice may I add! Then I started getting sick. It was only a tiny bit but luckily I had gloves on so could do it discreetly enough. This slowed me obviously. I had lots in the legs, but this wretching really held me back. So my question is, is this normal? I know I’ve seen piles of puke at the finish line of many races, but not so much through the middle of a race! People normally seem to be able to keep it in!
So was I just going too fast for my ability? I did the third mile faster than the 2nd (after the puking experience), but slightly slower than the first, so once I got over the puking thing I was able to get back on the saddle. I didn’t feel sick at the end of the race but I did feel lightheaded.
This happened me at a 10k race about a month ago. Same thing. Middle of the race, I got sick. I was weraring a HR monitor that time so thought that maybe it was too tight and that was the problem, but didn’t wear it today. I’m not seeking medical advice by the way, just wondering if it is normal and something other people have experienced or is it abnormal. Thanks for reading!

I get that wretching feeling too but generally towards the end of a race or hard session. Dont believe it is related to whether ive eaten recently or not as it would still happen on an empty stomach. I think it is just down to sheer effort and pushing yourself to the max. Ive never got sick during race but came close a few times.

menoscemo

Sorry lads, don't know where the xanax reference came from .
I meant taking Motillium or similar (I just checked and I have a generic brand called Domerid) can help before a race.

My orignal post is now edited.

Ososlo

MrCreosote wrote: »

What was your HR like up to the vomiting- were you totally maxing out?

BTW Xanax is a sedative, not for nausea. Falling asleep halfway through the race mightn't be the best for the old PB...

Well i wasn't wearing the hr monitor. I only wear it for training. Am sorry i didn't now! Going on effort an feel and past experience i would imagine i was running at 170 - 180 bpm until i slowed down after the puking experience but picked it back up again to that hr level for third mile. I don't know my max hr yet. Getting this sorted this week. I would say i was running most of the race close to 180. Resting would be early 50s and training under 150 usually.i should add that training at 150 for me means i am running at a very very easy pace.

MrCreosote

The HR monitor might give the answer, although I'd say you'd have more luck with changing when you eat. At least it'll give you a max HR if you empty the tank over the last few kms.

TFBubendorfer

I would be extremely weary trying to sort the problem with medicine. That would be my very last resort.

The first thing I'd try is to leave a longer gap between food and race next time. The fact that you were fine with a shorter gap for your HM is a bit of a red herring. HMs are run at a much lower intensity and much less likely to cause stomach upsets.

Ososlo

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I would be extremely weary trying to sort the problem with medicine. That would be my very last resort.

The first thing I'd try is to leave a longer gap between food and race next time. The fact that you were fine with a shorter gap for your HM is a bit of a red herring. HMs are run at a much lower intensity and much less likely to cause stomach upsets.

Seems to be common enough to run the shorter races on empty so I might give this a go or else get up at dawn for half a banana:(.
cheers for the imput.

walshb

I may have missed it, but what was your time, OP?

Ososlo

walshb wrote: »

I may have missed it, but what was your time, OP?

the result of my 5k? Is it relevant?

corny

I can sympathise OP. I felt the same way in the same race i think (Clonliffe?). Passing Northwood i felt rough, it got worse but i held on till the finish and proceeded to vomit all over my new runners.:(

For what its worth i've found its directly related to what i eat and how long before a race that is. I ate 4 or 5 hours before the race on Sunday and tbh i knew that was rolling the dice do to speak. Ordinarily i don't eat before 5k races and it doesn't affect performance and i don't get sick. Works for me.

Congrats on the PB btw.

Ososlo

corny wrote: »

I can sympathise OP. I felt the same way in the same race i think (Clonliffe?). Passing Northwood i felt rough, it got worse but i held on till the finish and proceeded to vomit all over my new runners.:(

For what its worth i've found its directly related to what i eat and how long before a race that is. I ate 4 or 5 hours before the race on Sunday and tbh i knew that was rolling the dice do to speak. Ordinarily i don't eat before 5k races and it doesn't affect performance and i don't get sick. Works for me.

Congrats on the PB btw.

ah thanks. Delighted after all the cr4p to get a pb.
it was such a flat route and I run it all the time but I felt it very tough too.

Interesting to hear your experience of pre-race eating too. So you don't feel weak at all if you don't eat before a 5k race? I think I need to try this the next time. It's such a short race I feel I could get by without anything. Am also wondering now if the cup of coffee I always have the morning of a race could be part of the problem too. Would hate to give this up but maybe I need to. I'll do what it takes

corny

Weak? God no. Sure its only 20 (15 if you're great) odd minutes running. Don't have time to feel weak.;)

Enduro

Ososlo wrote: »

So you don't feel weak at all if you don't eat before a 5k race? I think I need to try this the next time. It's such a short race I feel I could get by without anything. Am also wondering now if the cup of coffee I always have the morning of a race could be part of the problem too. Would hate to give this up but maybe I need to. I'll do what it takes

Try implementing that strategy in training first, so that you're used to it and comfortable with it when you race. So train on empty for a while, and don't take anything on board during training.

Ososlo

Thanks everyone for the advice. I went out this morning on empty for a hard session and didn't feel nauseous at all during it. I didn't even have coffee or water and wore the HR monitor without it bothering me at all. I think I'll stick to this strategy for a few more morning sessions before trying it in a race though. I feel like I might have arrived at a solution to this problem thanks to your help

menoscemo

Ososlo wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the advice. I went out this morning on empty for a hard session and didn't feel nauseous at all during it. I didn't even have coffee or water and wore the HR monitor without it bothering me at all. I think I'll stick to this strategy for a few more morning sessions before trying it in a race though. I feel like I might have arrived at a solution to this problem thanks to your help

Try the next one with Coffee to eliminate that as a cause.....I always have a good coffee a few hours before a morning race. I find it helps me wake up (and get the bowels moving )

Ososlo

menoscemo wrote: »

Try the next one with Coffee to eliminate that as a cause.....I always have a good coffee a few hours before a morning race. I find it helps me wake up (and get the bowels moving )

yes, i always have coffee for the same reason but just wanted to see what it would be like to have a completely empty system. Would worry alright about getting the old bowels going without it before a race Only thing that works!

walshb

Ososlo wrote: »

the result of my 5k? Is it relevant?

I was just curious. Sorry for being so nosey!

Ososlo

walshb wrote: »

I was just curious. Sorry for being so nosey!

No bother.

sb78

Ososlo wrote: »

yes, i always have coffee for the same reason but just wanted to see what it would be like to have a completely empty system. Would worry alright about getting the old bowels going without it before a race Only thing that works!

Hi,
I know everyone is different in terms of their tolerances and preferences but if I were you I would give up the coffee before the run routine altogether..coffee dehydrates you anyway and leaves an unpleasant taste in your mouth during the run..it can also cause reflux issues during a run...just stick with water or sports drink...
I have been running seriously for years and the only times I have puked during or after a hard/fast run were when I had taken coffee...I know its good for the early start but since I stopped taking coffee I haven't had nausea during hard runs since

MrCreosote

sb78 wrote: »

Hi,
I know everyone is different in terms of their tolerances and preferences but if I were you I would give up the coffee before the run routine altogether..coffee dehydrates you anyway and leaves an unpleasant taste in your mouth during the run..it can also cause reflux issues during a run...just stick with water or sports drink...
I have been running seriously for years and the only times I have puked during or after a hard/fast run were when I had taken coffee...I know its good for the early start but since I stopped taking coffee I haven't had nausea during hard runs since

I'd disagree to a point. Try with and without the coffee. If it makes no difference, then I'd definitely take it as it's a proven performance enhancer.

Ososlo

MrCreosote wrote: »

I'd disagree to a point. Try with and without the coffee. If it makes no difference, then I'd definitely take it as it's a proven performance enhancer.

I guess everyone's different. I'll try both over the next few weeks and report back. Thanks for the imput;)

RedRunner

Saw a couple of retchers today at park run so you are not alone for sure!:)

Was on the verge of it myself at end of race but managed to stave it off. Just had a banana for brekkie and sips of water and isotonic drink.

Ososlo

RedRunner wrote: »

Saw a couple of retchers today at park run so you are not alone for sure!:)

Was on the verge of it myself at end of race but managed to stave it off. Just had a banana for brekkie and sips of water and isotonic drink.

I'd say there are a few more retchers than normal these days with the season that's in it etc

RedRunner

Ososlo wrote: »

I'd say there are a few more retchers than normal these days with the season that's in it etc

Indeed:D:D

I'm off out now to ruin all that good work this morning. Traditional Christmas session with some friends of mine.Long run tomorrow very unlikely.

Ososlo

RedRunner wrote: »

Indeed:D:D

I'm off out now to ruin all that good work this morning. Traditional Christmas session with some friends of mine.Long run tomorrow very unlikely.

so bloody difficult at this time of the year isn't it. Some days the options are either to run in the mornings with massive hangover or run drunk in the nighttime!! I think i'd have some major retching issues if I took the latter option:(

rom

Ososlo wrote: »

so bloody difficult at this time of the year isn't it. Some days the options are either to run in the mornings with massive hangover or run drunk in the nighttime!! I think i'd have some major retching issues if I took the latter option:(

Hungover again !!! :P Are we training for the beer mile