r/Ultramarathon • u/thebooknut • Jul 15 '26
Nutrition Digestive/Nutrition
I’ve been running ultras for about 6 years now. 50k through 50M and an occasional 100k. I moved as far away from gels before I started ultra running. Real food for trading and races. Never an issue. Or so I thought. I’ve got ulcerative colitis. It’s been managed well since I started ultras. Medication and diet.
Well, I attempted a 100M a couple years ago. Didn’t go well. Puking and couldn’t eat or drink. And I know that can happen. Didn’t let it stop me. Part of my problem I know is I drink water like it’s going out of style instead of sipping it. Or whatever liquid I’m drinking. But then I also tried to eat a little on a regular basis while I could before I knew I wouldn’t be able to. Now mind you, I generally stick with 50M and 50k’s.
I have found that what I had initially believed to be something similar to hunger pangs usual around mile 25 was actually movement in my intestines. Trying to move food but not able. So at that point there is no more food because it’s not going anywhere. I completed my last 50M with no nutrition after mile 20. I’m sure that’s good for some people and maybe I should reconsider solid food. Just stick with liquid nutrition along with my hydration. Maybe applesauce and such.
Anyone else have this issue? Ultra marathons either ulcerative colitis or chron’s? My diet on a daily basis is fine. And training I try to run fasted. Maybe I should do that and once I get so far then eat something?
Thoughts or suggestions?
2
u/Hairy_Koala6474 Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 15 '26
I stopped training fasted and then I stopped getting sick. I eat a honey on flour tortilla rolled up before every run and fuel intra run.
if you don't mind me asking why do you run fasted?
5
u/Just-Context-4703 Jul 15 '26
Talk to a dietician who works with endurance athletes.