Problems with nutrition after endurance sport

[Meryline 546]

I'm 2.5+ years post op. For the first 1 year or, so I did weight, then I added spinning instructor with two days a week. For the past year, it has been less weights, and at the end of February I added running.

Up until now I ran 3 days a week, with 2h as my long runs. Since February, I have done 1x4.1k, 1x5k, 1x7k, 1x10k and 2x half-marathon races.

It took a while to figure out what works during my long runs, and the best combination is sour candy and electrolytes. I still go spinning twice a week, but now run 4 days a week. Strength 1-2 days.

My issue is, I'm not hungry after runs, even if I do fasting runs in the morning. I struggle to get food in me. I'm also not eating nutritional enough.

I often do a Protein Shake after a run, but that just postpone eating for even longer. smoothies are easier than food, but I struggle with those as well.

If anyone have any suggestions for me, I would be very grateful.

Edited November 12, 2019 by Meryline

[anaxila 501]

Congratulations on your accomplishments! My biggest question is what consequences are you seeing as a result of not eating after a run? Are you suffering because of it, or just concerned that it’s abnormal / not part of the program? A lot of runners I know have trouble eating after a run, and they don’t try to force it. If you’re not having I’ll effects from delayed eating, I’d let it go. Otherwise, please say more about the problems it’s causing.

For me, the hardest part of becoming an endurance athlete after RNY was adapting the nutrition I was supposed to follow with the nutrition my body actually needed. I’ve since done a marathon, 13 half marathons, a bunch of Olympic and sprint triathlons, and a handful of 60+ mile bike rides. I’m just shy of 5 years out.

[Meryline 546]

Thank you @anaxila. I did one triathlon back in 2012, before back went out on me, and I hope one day I'll get back there. And even though I have always said I'll never do a marathon, I have been toying with the idea in the past weeks.

It is recommended that you eat within 30 min after a run, especially if it's a fasted run or if you do as I do, wait 2 hours after I eat to go running. Also when I do 2 workouts a day, I need to regenerate for the second workout.

I haven't talked to anyone on what nutrition I should follow, and I'm probably not getting enough of what I need. For now it's been fine, but I think as time goes, it's going to tear on my body. I am having more and more episodes of lack of energy and having to drop workouts.

Right now I'm training for a Disney in February, 10k and half Saturday and Sunday. Another challenge in September with 5k, 10k, half on consecutive days. Between there I want to do a half under 2h. My last one, 2 weeks ago, was 2:05.

[AZhiker 2,251]

Well, I am pretty new into the endurance events - finished a sprint tri last month and doing a 50 mile bike event in 2 weeks. I am totally experimenting with nutrition at this point - but finding a LOT of energy and good recovery with WFPB (whole food plant based.) It is pretty amazing who many world class athletes use this eating lifestyle to enhance their performance and reduce recovery time. So far, the RX bars which have 24 carbs, but also 12 gm of Protein are working for me during training. (I do not eat sugar - it makes my joints swell and I hurt all over. ) I know I need to add some electrolytes to my Water, so this week I am looking at some protein/electrolyte additions to see how that goes. It's good to know there are other bariatric surgery athletes out there! You know, only 10% of the US population will ever compete in an endurance event, and very few bariatric patients. That kind of puts us in a very small minority of people who have overcome literally huge obstacles (our own bodies) to achieve athletic goals. Congrats to all!!!

[Meryline 546]

Wow, congrats to you @AZhiker. I'm actually Norwegian, but I live in Austria.

So my issue is that I don't eat any legumes, tofu, or soy, (I have tried them all in so many varaiations) which limits my protine source if I were to go WFPB.

I have found a good electrolyte that my stomach accepts, but it's Austrian. Will be bringing it to my race in the States for sure.

When I run, I have issues chewing a lot, so so far the bars I have tried are too much chewing hehe. I guess I just need to keep experimenting. I think i need to add more nuts for post race consumption, easy to grab and I think it's something I would have no problem eating.

[AZhiker 2,251]

I am sooo jealous. I LOVE Austria. It is so beautiful and the people are so nice. I could totally live there.

[AZhiker 2,251]

I had a GREAT bike ride today - the best ever! My 50 mile "race" is coming up on Saturday, and today was the last chance for me to tweak my Fluid and nutrition for the event. I think I finally found the magic bullet - at least for me. I started hydrating well the day before and early this morning. Then I ate a big bowl of cooked whole grain Cereal with soy milk. Instead of plain Water, I used a drink called BodyArmor (70 calories, 18 carbs, with electrolytes) - about 75% with 25% water in my drink bottles. I also changed my food bars from RX bars to plant based Think Thin bars (230 cal, 28 carbs, 13 protein.) I felt great and was not starving and craving salt afterward. I had my best mph time and at one point I felt like I could have gone 100 miles - like my legs were machines! Ha! Ha! Anyway, I have also really stuck with plant based whole foods this week - no animal Protein at all, and this may also have helped, as the research does indicate that blood vessels are more open and there is better circulation to the muscles when animal Proteins are eliminated.

So that's my story and I'm sticking with it - at least until after the race on Saturday. Then we'll probably go out for Mexican food ! (Topopo salad for me with black Beans instead of chicken. ) I am soooo happy to have found a formula that seems to work.

[Meryline 546]

That is awesome @AZhiker Nutrition makes such a difference.