This is what an empty Gold’s Gym looks like at 4:55 in the morning. When I want to do a long run I gotta start early.com to get back for when Brooke wakes up.
18 miles accomplished… half inside (I refuse to run in the dark alone) and half on the trails (thank you x 1,000,000 to Jess for coming with me).
My cold was definitely better this morning when I woke up but I still didn’t feel super amazing during my run. A few sneezes won’t kill ya…
The beautiful sunrise we got to be a part of (no filter… that is just how magnificent this state is).
SO…. Runner’s Flu. I won’t go into details but basically I call that upset stomach problem after (not during but after for me) a long run—> Runner’s Flu. This happens to me after starting to do long runs again after taking a break from them for a while. It usually takes me a good 4-5 long runs for my body to get used to the fact that I am going to be running for a few hours before it stops happening. Today has been the first long run in this training cycle where my stomach feels really great after finishing.
Anyone else get Runner’s Flu? Stick with the long run for a little while and I think your body will get used to it and you will be feeling good again in no time:)
My post long run treat, I think about this for at least 40% of the run.
And a little while later it was time for bread twists and salads.
This girl is incredible. The world needs more people like her. We had a great lunch together talking about running and life.
It makes me a little too happy that we have similar shoes (yes, mine are dirtier than a 2 year olds).
And one of the best ways to recover from a long run.
——————————————————
Ever have stomach issues after a long run?
What was your lunch today?
What is your favorite time to start your long run?
-Usually six but 4:55 will work for now:)
Last candy that you had?
85 comments
Katie M.
I get sick after every. single. run. Long, short, easy, hard (TWSS). I’ve tried no food before, some food before, tums before and after. Just about everything. It really, really stinks and I have to limit my running to three days a week because I am constantly having to plan around my likely being sick after every run. I, like you, have had to take occasional time off due to injuries and usually my getting sick disappears after a few weeks of running but not this time around. I’ve been getting sick for upwards of five months.
Rachelle
You mean you have been sick for 5 months after doing a run?
I ran on Thanksgiving day 7 miles, and ever since I’ve been sick.. my major symptoms are depression and fatigue. I barely had a cold and fever the next week. I can’t regain my strength back, and was wondering if that run really did that to me. I hadn’t eaten well all year either. I’d get depression after every long run I ever had. Earlier in the year I had an injury because I had forgotten to eat well. By Thanksgiving I was just getting up my miles again. I tried to run a little on Sunday, but I’m still fatigued and depressed feeling.
Susan
Well, I don’t long run but a few years back I was having issues on any run. At that time I ran only on a treadmill in my home gym so I would just stop and take care of things. When I switched to running outside, the issues went away (thank goodness). My lunch today was chicken stir fry with brown rice & the last candy I had was Werther’s — my FAVORITE.
Hope your cold gets better! It is never fun being sick :(
Kris @ Canadian Girl Runs
The exact same thing happened to me, it took a good six weeks before I stopped feeling sick after. Once I found the right pre-run and during-run nutrition it really helped. For lunch today I added quacemole to my salad and it was amazing!
Congrats on the 18 miles:) That’s a huge run!
Stephen
Out of curiosity, what works for you pre-run and during run?
Kim
Aww you know Toby!! We were at Kara’s amazing retreat together a few weeks ago. You both are too sweet. ;-) Looking forward to meeting you (hopefully) next week when we come in town for BC Marathon.
Toby B.
Hi Kim! You are totally going to rock BC! It will be the most beautiful run you will ever run (we ski at Brighton all the time in the winter…that is the start)!
Spread your wings and fly girl :)
Nicole@thegirlwhoraneverywhere
Anytime I start back up again with a run longer than 14 that happens to me…it’s almost like I can’t eat for a few hours after bc nothing sounds good and my stomach is rumbly and just plain cranky pants!!
Congrats on the 18 before dawn, way to go!!
I seriously want some candy right now bc those look yummy!!!
Nicole@thegirlwhoraneverywhere
And also I seriously want to move to Utah…trails are really the selling point right now!
Jen
Ever have stomach issues after a long run? – yes and during (NOT FUN!)
What was your lunch today? – Turkey sandwich with avocado
What is your favorite time to start your long run? – 4am (yes 4 -a -m!…gotta get it in before my little ones wake up)
Last candy that you had? – Dark chocolate with almonds and sea salt (will be having again VERY soon too LOL)
Rachel
Oh yeah. Maybe I’m just a wimp, but anything around a half marathon distance makes my stomach go crazy. Or Ragnar – for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to eat cheesecake factory food late at night in between legs. No bueno!! haha. Makes for a funny story, though :)
Catherine
I get an upset stomach after a long run also and have tried everything from eating different foods, eating a little or nothing but still get it. My run start time was 6am this morning. I love your blog after starting to read it this year it encouraged me to do a half marathon in June now I signed up for my second half this December. Than you so much.
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
I had a cotton candy sunrise on my run this morning too! That’s what I like to call it when the clouds look pink. It’s kinda sorta perfect and I’m obsessed.
5:30 is just about my favorite time to run these days!
I do get that sickly feeling during a long run sometimes, but I’ve never heard it referred to as Runner’s flu, new term for me!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
I think on average my ideal time for running is 7 am. In the summer I start earlier but I refuse to run in the dark so before sunrise doesn’t happen unless it’s on a treadmill. Today I ran later for me at 7:30 am and had a great run so who really knows what ideal for me is anymore lol. I just know any later and I wouldn’t be happy.
Amy @ Life to the Full
My stomach has been goofy after any high intensity runs I have had – I think it’s because of the heat!
5:30 is my favorite running wake up time! Just in time to be back before my son wakes up :)
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Oh, yes the infamous stomach pain after long run. I’ve always had that after all my runs & honestly, I thought it was just me and my terrible stomach. I believe it’s the intensity more than the run because I will get it if I workout too hard too.
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
Beautiful sunrise! :)
Ash Bear
Do you think the runners flu is due to the fuel you eat during the long run? My stomach is always a bit off anytim I need to have more than one Gu.
Leila
Yes! Anything over about 5ish miles for me and I get the wonky stomach. My nurse friend told me it has something to do with the acid in your stomach. When you aren’t running its not working as hard but as soon as you stop the acid starts working again. Same could go for a really tough workout I assume. And of course thats the most unscientific response but it was something about that. Doesn’t seem like it matters what you do or don’t eat. Also, maybe the reason it goes away after awhile is because your stomach gets used to it? All I know is that after every half marathon I felt like I needed a port-a-potty ASAP! lol
Lynsey
Long runs sometimes so a number on my stomach too, but not always. I typically have a complete loss of appetite until the following day when I eat everything.
I run early too- same deal, get it done before the kids are up.
Last candy… I can’t even tell you. All that stuff has gluten in it and I’m celiac. Bummer.
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust
I don’t typically have stomach issues after a long run, but I do lose my appetite for a few hours. The only thing that sounds and tastes good after a run is a smoothie packed with protein. My favorite time to start a long run is 6:30-7:00am. I am definitely a morning person and have to get it done early! Hmmm, last candy was Junior Mints.
Erica
The breadstick and salad place can you take me there next time I visit?
Leanne
Long runs mess with my stomach, too. But, I’m 95% sure that the problem is hydration. If I drink a full glass of water before and at least a bottle during and then one immediately after, I’m good. Miss one sip of one of those glasses and Runner’s Flu! I don’t know if that applies to anyone else, but it works for me!
If I’m running inside 9am is a good start time and 7am for outside.
I had a few dark Hershey kisses with my lunch today. Yum!
Hollie
UGH sorry to hear you aren’t feeling the greatest. I’ve never really had stomach issues during a long run. Medium runs a few times but for the most part I eat the same things before a run so don’t normally feel any different. I think streamlining my food and eating pretty similar things has helped that.
Dude 4:55 in the gym is boss.
LeAnne @ This is my faster!
I love running right before sunrise! The morning sky is so beautiful (I’m a nerd for things like that). I usually start my mid-week runs by 6:15/6:30 and my LRs by 7am. I would love to start earlier but, like you, I’m not a big fan of running in the dark alone.
I have tummy issues sometimes after long runs, but they haven’t been unmanageable (thankfully) so far.
Michelle
I was getting stomach issues on my long runs for a while but now that I have been training for 5 months they are starting to get better. I cannot use gels they make me so nauseous. My go to nutrition on runs are cytomax chews which seem to agree with me with the right combo of water.
I like to start my long runs around 9 am, I work nights so that is the earliest I can get out there.
I cannot tell you the last piece of candy I had, since I started marathon training I have been really struck with my eating. My faves are peppermint patties and Milky Way Darks!
Megan D
Ummm those watermelon candies were a huge pregnancy craving. Mmmmm.
No stomach issues for me. I just am not hungry the day of a long run. Then the next day. Bam. AllTheFood. I am impressed with your early wake up time and your long run in the middle of the week. Aint no stopping you. You never did report back on the chocolate covered cinnamon bears for fuel. I need to know because that sounds brilliant. The last candy I ate was Sunday and it was pretty much all the candy I could shove in my mouth before the challenge started. I think that is a healthy way to do things. Totally balanced and not at all binge like.
I had left overs for lunch from last night. I made a crunchy thai quinoa salad with a peanut ginger dressing. Mmmmm. It was delicious.
I love King Of Queens. The upstairs/downstairs wife episode is my all time favorite. Please tell me you have seen it.
The Hungry Runner Girl
BAHAHAHA One of my favorite episodes ever. Can we watch that one together and eat watermelon candies?
Megan D
Hells yes we can! If I am at your place in 15 minutes with a bag of candies in hand don’t be surprised and/or scared.
But seriously. I want to.
Whitney
The funniest episode to me is when Doug sends Carrie to the exercise class to learn to use the stripper pole and has one installed in there bedroom, but shes terrible at it and he ends up showing her some moves at the very end. He’s surprisingly good for a bigger guy lol
Megan D
I love that episode too! Now I really want to watch this show. I am always so amazed at how agile guys like him and Chris Farley are/were.
Nessa
Wow, well done for waking up at that hour! Dedication right there.
Never serious stomach issues, I just find that I’m a little bit nauseous after a long run and can’t eat for a bit.
I can’t remember the last bit of candy I had, who even am I?!
Leigha @ The Yooper Girl
Ugh, I get runner’s flu so bad!! The whole day of a long run I have this uncomfortable feeling and I either feel terrible hungry or can’t think of food at all. Ideal long run time is 7 or 7:30!
Lunch today was quinoa with chickpeas and black beans topped with avocado! And an apple. Perfect!
Grace
Ugh the stomach thing! Hate it. For me I never feel SUPER great in the tummy after a long run (but weirdly if i force down a bagel or something bland–i feel better faster–although this is not always a possibility). That said, if I’m doing an even paced and slow long run then it doesn’t feel SO terrible, but when I ramp up the intensity (like if I do a half-marathon distance at race pace) I end up with a horrible stomach, usually not until about 45 mins after I stop. It always happens and it is really frustrating!
Kristen
Lunch today was chicken from one of those grocery store rotisserie chickens with roasted sweet potato wedges and Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut dressing. Yum!
The last candy I had was a handful of Hershey’s Miniatures leftover from our last s’mores night.
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy
I tend to get the runner’s flu after a run in the cold if the cold affects me stomach. I wonder if anyone else has this problem? It really sucks!
Brooke @ sweats & sweets
I started getting runner’s flu when I started running for 9+ miles. It is always after, and once everything is “better” it is as if I never felt bad. But it hasn’t happened on my past 3 runs until my 13 miles this past Sunday. The pain about knocked me over.
jan
I am so glad you wrote this because I thought was the only one to get a post-run “flu”! It takes me about 18 hours to get over it. It’s so good to know it goes away in time. Thanks for sharing!
Laura
I watch King of Queens reruns everytime they’re on!
Sometimes I’ll get upset stomach…..I think it depends on if I’m eating too much sugary gu/shot blocks. I can only handle so many of them.
Favorite time lately for runs is 5:30 or 6. But that’s always with other people. If I’m by myself I wait till the sun is out. I don’t like to go in the dark by myself either.
Laura
Oh last candy was a See’s chocolate. Yummy!
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.com
Ohhhhh girl I feel ya on the “Runner’s Flu!”
In complete candor (we are runners after all ;)) It’s gotten to the point that I had a colonoscopy last week to try and figure out what’s going on! Upsets stomachs from running can really take the fun out of running, but one thing is for sure, it’s not going to stop me!
Hope you feel better!
Marcelle
I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see the words “Runner’s Flu” and learn exactly what this is!! This happens to me all the time – and I’ve never been able to figure out what it is or what causes it. I just eat a banana about 30 min after my run and then have to wait a few hours for my stomach to settle. I totally thought I was alone on this one!
Leftover pasta for lunch – yum!
Brynne
Wow I’ve never heard of this runner’s flu! I never get sick after runs, but I will feel very drained and tired for the rest of the day after a run longer than 14 or so. I also have a very strong stomach and prefer to eat 20-40 minutes before a run, so maybe it’s just my awesome tough tummy that protects me, haha.
This morning I was out the door by 5:10, which meant about 50 minutes of running in the dark before the sky started lightening up. Not the best idea I’m sure, but I really enjoy it! Gets my adrenaline rushing, haha. i.e. “WHAT WAS THAT RUSTLING!!??”
Christina
Carry pepper spray! I was grabbed back in April. Now I never leave home without it. And use only one ear piece if that.
Toby B.
Thanks for making a girl feel like a million bucks! YOU are in the business of inspiration.
I need to join you on the trails soon before the snow comes!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
I think my best time to run is 530 am. I don’t love when the alarm goes off at 5 am but I’m always happy when the run is over! I honestly don’t even remember the last candy I had…maybe dark chocolate? Luckily I’ve never had runners flu…doesn’t sound fun!
Annie
My belly issues have been pretty non-existent over the years. Maybe a little flare up after a long run now and again. Very rare. Lunch = Trader Joe’s meatballs. YUM!
School day runs are 5:30 a.m. Weekend runs are 7:00. Going to be a SUPER awful, hot humid Saturday here in NJ. SO… Saturday’s run may be early. And it will definitely be awful. I really enjoy your blog, Janae! So peppy. :)
Katheryn
My favorite time to start a run is 6:30. It’s still early, but in feel like I was able to sleep in. I don’t typically have tummy issues, but I never want to eat after a run. For an hour or two all food sounds awful. By the way, what happened to your treadmill? Running at home while Brooke sleeps would be far easier than having her sleep at your parents.
The Hungry Runner Girl
It won’t fit in my place! When I eventually move to a bigger place I will have room for it but it is in storage until then!
Jen@milesandblessings
My stomach does not like long runs during or after :). I still, 5 marathons, later do not have a fuel system that I like! It is what makes me the most nervous about marathons!!! 7:30 is my favorite time to start any run :). I am curious what restaurant those bread sticks are from :) they look amazing!
Jessica
thankfully I’ve never had the running flu, butttt. doesn’t sound fun. Hang in there girl.!
and my girl and I have matching converse. Ours are pink though.!
Fran
The matching converse sneakers are adorable.
Watching Kevin is a great way to recover. He’s actually an old friend of mine (and was my 9th grade prom date ; ) He’s finally doing a stand up show in Richmond next month and can’t wait to see him.
I’ll tell him you’re a fan!
The Hungry Runner Girl
AHHHH FRAN!!!! Are you serious!?!? He is my favorite!! That is so so cool!
Randi
This is CRAZY (in a good way)!!!! How cool that you know a celebrity! I love King of Queens :)
Michelle Kim
Salmon salad sandwich for lunch today. It was delicious!
I like to run at 6:30am for long runs, and I only do them early like that when I’m with my running group.
Kristin
Okay seriously, how do you force yourself out of bed that early? I have been trying SO HARD to get into an early routine. I’ve been making (painfully forcing) myself to go to bed earlier, and I set my alarm a little bit earlier every day but I just never can make myself leave my warm comfy bed. With the schedule I have going to the gym at 5:30AM a few days a week would be PERFECT, I just can’t make myself do it :( Any tips?
Kelly
I’ve starting sleeping in my running clothes when I’m planning to get up for early morning runs. It’s much easier than trying to wriggle into a sports bra when half asleep!
Randi
I’ve also tried to convert myself to a morning runner, but honestly it hurts…my body is stiff, half asleep, and my muscles and joints aren’t warmed up and haven’t had blood flow to them for hours! So finally, I just accepted this and since I prefer to run later in the day, I just needed to adjust the time a bit since I have a 2.5 yo. So now I put him to bed at 8 and I am out the door running :)
Oh, when I get home from work I change right away into my running clothes too :-)
Kuddos to all of you who run first thing in the am!
Jennifer
I sometimes get nauseous after a super hard race/sweaty long run. I think it’s from my sodium levels getting out of whack (scientific term!).
For lunch I had a salad with strawberries.
And, I like to start my long run around 5:30am.
Feel better:)
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
Ugh. I don’t get after a run stomach problems, I get during a run stomach problems. I called DH today while out on a long run with my x-country team because I couldn’t see a restroom and I thought he might have to pick me up. After completely panicking him, I saw a construction site with porta-potties (thank the Lord!!) Oy. I don’t think my students noticed that I was about to cry and went missing for a few minutes.
My fav time for a long run is around 6, because then I still have plenty of time left in my day. I think the last candy I had were Whoppers.
Linda
I have the same problem with runners flu – it’s the worst. I’m training now for my first half marathon and worried about how my stomach will hold up. Glad it’s not just me tho.
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
I have definitely had stomach issues after a long run. I’m just glad that it doesn’t hit during! I haven’t had any problems lately, so maybe I’m past the trouble period.
Lunch today was a questionable chicken noodle casserole at work. I was SO hungry that I didn’t care that it wasn’t good.
I am terrible about getting out the door early on the weekend for my long runs. I’m usually happy if I get started by 9, though I always shoot for 8.
The last candy I had was candy corn! I was really excited that it was at the store the other day.
Janelle
Oh god, if there isn’t an empty bathroom after anything over about 8 miles I’m in for it. Thankfully it’s only after I stop though. It’s like my brain tells my stomach what my planned mileage is because the last few steps of my runs, no matter the distance, are dangerously close to an unwanted circumstance!! Running straight into the bathroom when I’d rather be doing a cool down and stretching is really hard but I guess I’m not the only one!
Cheri @ Overactive Blogger
Runner’s flu is the most polite way I have ever heard it put in my LIFE. I am well-versed in the flu, and halfway through my first marathon, that I was freezing my butt off in, I had to find a bathroom and try to get my pants down even though my hands were like ice blocks. I found if I skip out on the gels with the caffeine however, I have much much better luck :)
Kristin @ W [H] A T C H
so impressive to get a long run started before 5!
Lauren
Yes I get Runner’s flu! I always feel sick after a long run. Stomach problems, light headed, weak muscles (feeling like I can’t support my own weight). It takes so much water/sports drinks/carbs for me to feel normal again. Glad I’m not the only one!
Emily
it makes me so unbelievably happy to see that you are a King of Queens fan!! I record them and watch them allll the time. nothing like a little doug and carrie to help recover from a long run!
Jaclyn
Janae! Loving that you are posting twice a day–my day gets made in the morning and then another ray of sunshine in the afternoon. Thanks for making my days better for two years now!
Cat
I say this in the nicest way possible, but I’m glad you have stomach issues after a long run! I always thought something was wrong with me because I have issues after a race. Like always. I race a lot faster than I train (I know it’s not smart or ideal) but I seriously thought I wasn’t meant for long distance running. I’m training for my first full, and have kept the long runs pretty slow but still hope to race faster. I haven’t had much trouble in training and I am totally drained afterwards, but the stomach has held up. I hope it’s the same for my race.
Also, after a long run I eat for the next 3 days non stop. So I’ve pretty much gained weight training for a full marathon.
Laura
It just depends–sometimes I get stomach issues before.. sometimes during and sometimes after. But I have had a lot of discomfort in the past year, and I have no idea what it is tied to.
I took a bunch of Chex, caramel topped greek yogurt, and fruit to work (high school).
I haven’t had candy recently except the mints in our Department Office. I am a bit off candy this month… but I will definitely be buying some candy-corn when October starts.
Christina
So glad you brought this up. Not sure if 10 and 12 miles count but those have been my long runs and I def had an upset stomach thought it was my electrolyte drink. Hmm I’m gonna try a new drink and see what happens. I’m trying not to get nervous about doing 15 miles in two weeks. My long runs seem SO different than when it’s an actual race. Time flies in a race but all my lonesome can be lonesome. I need a running partner!
Linda
Ohhhh so that’s what it’s called. Yes. Yes, I also suffer from runner’s flu. Strangely, it never happens after a long treadmill run, only when I run outside? Weirdest thing.
Jeni
Long runs used to completely take me out stomach-wise, sometimes during, but mostly after! I completely put it down to hydration, I find that running with a camel back makes a world of difference!
Lori
I get the “runner’s flu” (love that term, btw) any time I run more than a 10k, and it hits me during my run, not after (probably helps my pace a bit – ha!). I’ve learned that if I am vigilant about what I eat the entire day before I can avoid it, but one misstep and I’m in trouble.
JC
YES! I totally know that feeling. I also get it when I do any run over 2 miles if I have taken a break for the first handful of runs. I also get a hollow feeling in my chest. It’s awful!
Randi
Runner’s Flu – I’m not sure if you mean being nauseous or having diarrhea but I will say although my stomach feels fine after long runs, running is a natural laxative (infamous words from my cross country coach years ago) and I have to visit the toilet more frequently during the day when I increase mileage.
I’ve found more fiber in my diet helps like oatmeal, bananas, spinach, etc.
Also, right now during this training cycle I am craving ICE COLD MILK after my runs! So weird! I’m going to finally take those calcium supplements ;-)
So glad your Runner’s Flu is better now! And way to go on 18 miles!
Sean
I also enjoy early morning runs, especially when the sun rises while I’m mid-run. I have a question though – who watches your daughter when you’re out running? I only get my runs in when my wife or someone else is at the house, just in case the kids wake up.
Ever have stomach issues after a long run?
-It’s usually due to me eating something heavy, otherwise no.
What was your lunch today?
-Haven’t had it yet. Breakfast was eggs, cornbread, roasted tomatoes, and a green smoothie.
What is your favorite time to start your long run?
-Before sunrise.
Last candy that you had?
-Don’t eat candy. My indulgence is 85-90% dark chocolate. I follow a fairly strict no-processed/pre-packaged food diet. Basically, tons of organic veggies, fruit, locally raised meats (grass fed beef, etc.), a lot of eggs (local farm, free range, organic feed), raw milk from local grass fed dairy, nuts/seeds, and lots of good fats (olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter). I will occasionally make homemade organic bread but try to limit my wheat consumption – it promotes inflammation which is something I don’t need as a runner.
Rebekah
I like the name “Runner’s Flu”. . . I struggle with this at EVERY race, even a 5K and sometimes on longer training runs. : (
I don’t know what to do . . .
Cat Czyrnyj
Yes I have stomach issues and my husband does too! The theory that I’ve read/concocted, based on research is that your intestines require blood to carry nutrients from the food inside to the various other parts of your body. When you run long distance blood gets diverted to help oxygenate your muscles so your body has trouble digesting food, as a result you get diarrhea or upset tummy. Not sure whether it’s right or wrong but it gets me through the pain!
[email protected]
My body feels fluish all over after a long run – but I don’t usually have stomach problems. Concentrating for the rest of the day is out of the question!
Your twinsie-shoes are so cute!
karen
I will get runner’s flu (never heard it called that but like the name!) sometimes after harder and/or longer efforts. The culprit for me is usually something I ate the night before, or if I don’t fuel properly. If I do everything *right* I can usually keep it at bay.
Lys
Who watches Brooke when you go to run or workout so early in the morning?
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out
Sunrises are the best :)!
Kay
I hope you are feeling better soon!
D
yes….i get the runners flu after almost every long run. Nausea, the runs, chills. I ‘ve been running for years and have never been able to figure it out. I’ve tried every which way to fuel and hydrate. I think that some people have it and some don’t. Now, I just have to plan on being out of commission for about 3-4 hrs after a long run.