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Heather G.
Heather G. Sendmail

Gluten free running?

posted almost 2 years ago | Report

I have spent the last year trying EVERYTHING under the sun when it comes to race day nutrition/hydration, and no matter what I eat or don't eat, drink or don't drink, I still end up with GI issues after about 90 minutes.

A friend mentioned that going gluten free has helped her. I figure, what the heck, I'll give it a try. I'm not sure that I'm gluten sensitive, but it certainly can't hurt to give it a try, especially in the 48 hours before a long run/race.

So, my question is, are there any gluten free runners out there? Where do I even start? Any websites or resources you can recommend? Thank you!

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  • Angel
    Angel Sendmail

    I am a gluten free runner!! I can help with some food sites and things to eat before races. You can buy gluten free pastas etc...one good place is whole foods..

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Susan L.
    Susan L. Sendmail

    I am gluten free. I had both GI and breathing issues. I deciede to be allergy tested and found that I am allegic to wheat, soy and peanuts. For GI issues, try to stay away from simple sugars. I stick with fruit, bannanas, apples before I run (eat at least an hr before). I feel that they are as pure as it can get...no cross contamination. I was told if I eat wheat then exercise I could die....Ok warning taken. I like Luna chews too, they don't seem to bother my stomach as much as other chews. For drinks, I have tried everything. I have found gaitor aid works the best for me, go figure, the simplest sports drink you can find. Good luck in finding what works for you. It takes time.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Alex B.
    Alex B. Sendmail

    I'm also a gf runner.

    I'd start with http://www.celiac.com/ , they have both a forbidden- and safe-food ingredient list, which very helpful when reading food packages. And read the ingredient list of anything you might eat! I was surprised when I first went GF by the number of foods that are made with wheat.
    Definitely look at any in-race nutrition you may take with you very carefully, contact the manufacturer if needed. Personally, I only use products labeled as gluten free for race day. If it’s not labeled, but the ingredients seem ok, I’ll use it during training. If I’m not sure, I give it to someone else. I like Larabars or peanut butter pre-race and I carry GU Chomps or cheap fruit leather (easier to eat because it’s softer) with me.

    You can buy gf replacements for nearly all foods, and you can also take it as a method of expanding your food options, pre- and post-race. My favorite night-before-a-race meal is now steak and potatoes.

    posted almost 2 years ago | edited almost 2 years ago

  • Sarah W.
    Sarah W. Sendmail

    I did it for 4 months last year. It was wonderful! In addition to much improved GI issues and more stable energy levels, I found my recovery was better after heavy workouts, too. The only reason I was unsuccessful at maintaining the diet longterm was because sometimes it's hard to "go against the grain"... it's everywhere and you need to have supportive friends and family who understand why you're doing it. In the end I gave into eating gluten again, but I eat nowhere near as much as I used to. (And I was previously one of the worst bread junkies ever!!)

    Books to check out:
    Going Against the Grain: How Reducing and Avoiding Grains Can Re... by Melissa Diane Smith http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/365576.Going_Against_the_Grain_How_Reducing_and_Avoiding_Grains_Can_Revitalize_Your_Health
    The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Food Y... by Loren Cordain

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Cesar
    Cesar Sendmail
    in reply to what Susan L. said:I am gluten free. I had both GI and breathing issues. I deciede to be allergy tested and found that I am allegic to wheat, soy and peanuts. For GI issues, try to stay away from simple sugars. I stick with fruit, bannanas, apples before I run (e... read more

    Hi there, I would love to ask if you can point me to good resources on gluten free running or wheat allergy info!

    posted 6 days ago

  • Tom S.
    Tom S. Sendmail

    I've been gluten free for 11 years. I like bananas and yogurt before a run, and maybe an apple. I drink water all the time. Rice chex are gluten free for a morning run, and I can help you with any questions you may have. I've friended you in case you have questions. Have you been tested for celiac disease?

    posted 6 days ago

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