What keeps going wrong when running marathons?

Question

I feel great right up until about 20 miles into the race. Then I start feeling this feeling almost like a mild nausea, my saliva gets kind of thick and my digestive system just feels kind of crappy, I little like I could throw up. The same thing happenned during a Triathlon this past weekend except much earlier on in the race in terms of time. Every time it happens I try to fix it but I cant figure out the problem. Am I drinking too much, too little, impoper nutrition?

Answer 1

You are hitting what is know as the wall. There are tips to overcome this. But many runners have the same thing around mile 20. www.runnersworld.com

Answer 2

I've heard that mile 20 of a marathon is where most runners say they "hit the wall". Your body burns carbohydrates for fuel. But after time it runs out of carbs for fuel and starts burning your fat for fuel. Burning your fat for fuel, is obviously not your bodies preferred method of energy. It is harder on your system and might be why you are getting this feeling....it's your bodies way of saying "STOP! I've had enough!". I've only run half marathons so far, so I haven't experienced this myself, but something to look forward to, I guess.

Answer 3

I know exactly what it is: You are taking Gel / energy bars while running and if you take too much without taking some sodium, it will upset your stomach. Next time, carry a very small bottle of salt water (make it salty) and take a couple sip right after a power gel / bar and it will fix your problem. I have tried it and it works. There are other (Ultra-) marathoner use the same strategy and it works every time.

Answer 4

no it is quite natural for the body to give out that close to the finish

for example in a mile i run the last lap feeling like c**p, but you just gotta push through it

if you don't want to feel like that try adding more miles to your workout or running a steadier pace throughout the race and you might get that horrible feeling later in the race

it is good that you get that feeling because it means tha you are pushing your body to the limit

Answer 5

i would say stop for a little while unless if you;re in a race. but i would say stop because if you get hurt or sick, you won't be even running. So take the safe path.