Five years ago, I had never heard of ulcerative colitis. About a week and a half before I got married, I became quite sick and didn’t know what was wrong. Some tests were run on me and the results didn’t turn up anything. I did everything I could to look happy at my wedding, but at times it was difficult knowing how much my insides hurt. After our wedding, we were planning on taking a drive down the California coast and stop in at Disneyland. I wasn’t feeling well, so that plan was still being evaluated. However, on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the decision was made for us and we came straight home.
Upon getting back, my doctor had me consult with a gastroenterologist to schedule a colonoscopy. A colooscopy is one of the most uncomfortable tests that could ever be performed, not the test itself, but the day before the test when you have to get cleaned out with stomach lube (glycol, glycerol, or some other yuckful stuff). It wasn’t until after the procedure that I was told I could have added flavor like lemonade packets to it. The results of the test immediately indicated that I had ulcerative colitis, like the gastroenterologist suspected. I was put on steroids and medication that I’d have to take the rest of my life (not the steroids, luckily). For the most part, I live a normal life, but a few times, I’ve had flare ups causing me to go back on steroids to clear it up. The last one was about 1.5 years ago when I got a cold, couldn’t work for a few weeks which caused me a lot of stress (I’m self-employed, so when I don’t work, I don’t get paid) which turned into a flare up. Since then, I’ve been OK. However, on a number of days, my stomach is in knots and there is not much I can do about it. Up until this past January, I basically did nothing or very little on the days when I couldn’t stand it.
This past January, I decided to run the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon which put me on a training schedule running 4 days a week; I knew that if I didn’t run, I wasn’t going to be ready for the marathon. Part of the reason I wanted to run the marathon was to prove to myself that ulcerative colitis wasn’t going to rule my life. During the marathon, at about mile 20, my stomach acting up, so it was mind over stomach to finish the marathon, which I did without incident. This morning, when I went to run, my stomach was a little queasy, but I had to run. I was OK until about mile 10 when I had to walk a bit as my stomach was acting up. I made it through the run, like always, without a problem.
Some days it is harder than others, but I take it one day at a time and do my best to cope. Reducing stress is one of my main goals as I can see a direct correlation between flare ups (not sure about normal queasiness) and stress. Next Sunday, my family is joining me at the Chron’s & Colitis Foundation’s Guts & Glory Run to raise money and support research towards a cure of this disease. While my disease is mild compared to others, it sometimes makes it difficult to get through the day; I do the best that I can.
Have you been able to find anymore information between ulcerative colitis and running? I was diagnosed last year. Running sets mine off too, so I took a year off running. I went on a light and slow trail run/walk last week for a whopping 25 minutes, and the next day, the symptoms returned. I ran for 30 years without any problems, why now? (That's a rhetorical question...)
Hi Tracie,
I haven't thought much about putting the two together. I no longer run marathons, but try to run 4-5 miles occasionally (it seems like maybe once a week). My colitis seems in check when I run, but some mornings if I'm not going great, I don't run. I think for me, stress is the major cause of issues. It's much easier said than done to eliminate stress.
I run Marathons and have UC...I don't take any meds and manage it through diet and supplementation. It is very possible to run with UC and be very successful.
Can you explain exactly the foods you do and don't eat with UC and what you mean exactly by suppliments? Thank you.
Hi Chris,
I take a multi vitamin everyday as well as Tums for the calcium as I don't eat dairy. While likely not directly related to my UC, I'm a bit lactose intolerant and avoid dairy products (I still eat chocolate and some things that have smaller amounts of dairy). I tend not to eat curries and real liquidy foods as my stomach just can't handle it. I just kind of see what I can tolerate. In the last 9 months, I've switched to a mostly vegetarian diet and that hasn't really changed my UC, but has made me feel better.
Everyone reacts differently to UC, so I can't really say what works and what won't work for others.
I have had UC for about 7 years, and have been running for 20+. I have run many marathons since being diagnosed with UC. Mine is primarily controlled by diet, though I do sometimes add in meds if I am getting into a flare and can't get it under control within a few weeks.
Some days it is a challenge. If I'm in a flare, I often have to find a bathroom to use during my run, which isn't always convenient. However, I've found that staying active, watching my diet, and generally doing whatever I can to reduce my stress levels really helps me keep things under control.
Good luck - I hope you are able to return to running soon!
I have UC and run regularly. Sometimes my runs are more difficult than others--so when I can sense that my stomach is going to give me trouble, I'll do my runs near my house so I can swing by for a bathroom break. My disease is more under control now, so it helps knowing what to expect. Back when it was undiagnosed and out of control, running was a nightmare. I have persevered though, and will do my first marathon this year. I am curious as to what dietary changes you've made to help keep symptoms in check. Mine also seems to be stress related, and I've been on meds for about 9 months now.
Good luck on your first marathon! I enjoyed the 2 that I ran, but it took a lot out of me. I still love running, but marathons are out.
My UC flareups are definitely stress related. I've done my best to keep stress under control, but it's sometimes difficult. I've been on medication for the last 8.5 years and things are under control. The only major thing I cut out of my diet is dairy as I'm also a bit lactose intolerant. Other than that, I eat whatever I want.
Hi,
Just finished my first marathon and my time was pretty bad because of all my bathroom stops and cramps!
I'm wondering if you ran into any good info on staying hydrated and nourished while running? I have a very hard time with GU...cytomax is only tolerable for a short time and as you well know, you have to stay hydrated and keep your e-lytes in balance! I've had a hard time finding a web site that addresses these specific problems. Any info you can give me?
Thanks!
Ruthe
I have UC and recently started training for my first half marathon. I feel so tired and run down that I am having a hard time staying motivated to train. I have until November, and I want to prove to myself that I can do it. Any suggestions/tips to help me get past these feelings?
For me, running a marathon was more mental than anything else. I followed a training schedule that I found online and slowly built up. You may try a different time of day to train; I find that when it is too hot, I don't do as well and in the late afternoon, I also don't do as well.
If you haven't run before, then your feeling run down may not have anything to do with UC and more to do with exercise. If there is a running club near you, you might try joining to see if that helps your motivation. I didn't do this, but I also have the drive to finish what I start; others aren't as lucky.
Good luck and once you can get over the tired part of running, it gets a lot easier in my opinion.
My husband is a marathon runner and recently got diagnosed with UC. We are working hard at sticking to the SCD diet since that seems to be hightly recommended. His symptoms have defintiely improved. But we were wondering how to carb-load before a race. Any suggestions or what worked for you?
Hi Becky,
Every person handles UC differently. I can't recall what I did before my 2 marathons; I didn't follow a specific diet, so I didn't have a carb limitation. Today, I don't run marathons and don't follow a specific diet, except just eating what feels right.
I was just diagnosed Friday. I have been training for the New York marathon since July. I started having problems during my taper. New York has been a goal of mine for two years. But the doctor said it's so bad right now it could kill me if I ran this marathon. I'm having a hard time dealing with this. As long as I can run someday and have a normal life is now my goal. I've been in alot of pain for a week. Dr said it could take 2-3 weeks for it to clear up, even with meds. Is this normal for a flare up? I was also told stress and diet don't have anything to do with UC. Any advice is appreciated!
Hi Misty,
Your diagnosis couldn't come at a worse time. Flare ups can vary in length and yes, it can take several weeks depending on lots of factors that your doctor can discuss with you. I've found that stress definitely could trigger flare ups for me; diet only affects me a little. If I were you, I'd take the advice of your doctor and shoot for the marathon next year. Hopefully by then, you'll start learning how to live with UC and learn what your body likes and doesn't like.
Of course, my blog is no substitute for proper medical advice. Discuss anything you plan on doing with your doctor.
Scott, I know how you feel I had IBS for years then, I had Salmonella poisioning, at the tail end of the poisioning I was diagnosised with UC.
Then 9 years later I was diagnosised with Celiac disease. I have been
able to heal from these conditions, it is possible. I eliminated the inflammation causing foods, and add in healing foods. If any one is interested in the report I wrote on how I healed visit healibd.biz I wish you all
good health.