I’ve been determined lately to find ways to get back into long distance running. I know it’s not something that will happen over night but I do want to at least try. In the process I vow to listen to my body and not push myself into sickness. I will be patient with myself because I do believe that running is still good for me.
In an article I read on LiveStrong they described the benefits of running for people with Crohns…
“A 2006 study in the “Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology” by N. Narula and colleague showed that exercise may decrease Crohn’s activity and reduce psychological stress.
Crohn’s patients are at increased risk for osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise like running can help build bone density and prevent osteoporosis.”
I’ve bulleted some tips I’m trying to stick to as I build myself back up to a long distance runner. This is just what I have learned from a little research and trial and error on my part. In no way am I saying it is what every runner who has Crohns should do. If anything, the thing I’ve learned the most about Crohns is how different each body is effected by the disease and how what works to tame it for one person can set someone else off into a furry of inflammation. So here is my list, for me, and you if you choose to give it a shot.
- Have a solid basis of 3 to 4 mile runs then very slowly work mileage back up. I’m planning to do this for at least a month.
- Don’t push your body past the point of no return. Listen to your body! If you feel things going south slow down or stop altogether. There’s no point in making yourself sick just to say you finished your goal time or mileage on that certain day. Some days are going to be better than others.
- If you are going to try to go on a long run, make sure you know of places you can stop to go to the bathroom. The last thing you need is to be miles out, start to feel like you have to poo, and not have anywhere to go. The stress of that will make you have to go even worse!
- Crohns already causes the body to sometimes suffer from dehydration. Going for runs speeds up dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and while running.
I’ve been trying really hard to stay hydrated lately and I think it’s been working. I ran 3.25 miles with a friend a few days ago and felt amazing the entire time and even after! Yesterday I ran hills with my little bro and actually survived! I will admit that at the steepest parts of the hill I did feel like I was going to poop my pants (don’t worry I didn’t). Brandon wisely pointed out though that the hill was so steep that at some points we were in a squatting position, pushing as hard as we could to make it to the top. Also remarkably similar to the position you take on the toilet to go poo. This made me feel better 🙂
So yes, I think the key right now is hydrate, hydrate and hydrate! Today I took the day off to relax (also a key point I think) but tomorrow I will wake up with my crazy brother at 5:30am to do P90X yoga and hills again later. I must say it’s nice to have my little bro back from Colorado. It gives me someone who gets my butt up in the early morning to work out. And I just love his company 🙂
Best times with my brother 🙂
TalkBackJaq 
Hey Jaclyn…remember me (Michele) from our Contiki tour? Anyways, I was reading your blog and it was eerie because I also have Crohn’s and your story is very similar to mine. I remember experiencing the need to use the bathroom very often and the beginnings of seeing blood in my stool was during that Contiki tour. I specifically remember our stop in Belgium and it was a short break where everyone was grabbing a bite to eat and using the bathroom…we’ll I was unable to keep my bathroom break to a quiet tinkle and not only to a #1 status and I was so embarrassed. I remember looking in the toilet many times during that trip and also during my 3 weeks of solo travel after and thinking to myself…that can’t be good.
I eventually made it to the doctor where he put me on a steroid called prednisone, followed up by a colonoscopy (I have had a total of three thus far). At this point they figured I had ulcer colitis. The prednisone did not work, so I was then advised to see a gastroenterologist…this lead to yet another medication that worked for a little while (Asacol) but then I reverted back and then I was put on an additional medication (Apoanzothioprine) which worked for a while again, then I reverted back again…which is where I am today. It seems as though medications only work temporarily so far. I use the bathroom multiple times a day. I also am slightly anemic, so I take iron pills and also calcium for osteoporosis prevention. So three colonoscopy’s and two specialists later…I am back to square one.
I hate always feeling bloated and uncomfortable…and I love food 😦 I can’t believe I shared all my bathroom traumas on this post…but hey we have something in common! I also feel lucky as some people with Crohn’s have it WAY worse than I do, but it still sucks to live with it. Anyways, thank-you for sharing your story so far 🙂
Michele Wilson, Vancouver, CANADA
Hey! I definitely remember you. I’m so glad you reached out and shared your story and bathroom battles with me! No point in hiding our many toilet runs throughout the day!
I can’t believe you were suffering from this while on that trip. You poor thing! Those were the longest bus rides with hardly any bathroom breaks. And not to mention there was ZERO privacy the whole two weeks – always sharing rooms and bathrooms with everyone else. That must have been so tough.
Our stories are very similar. I’ve had a lot of frustration with my doctor not knowing exactly what I had and not really listening to me. I’m also not on a medication at this point in time. They wanted to put me on the pill version of Canasa but were suspicious that I was allergic to it, so I decided against being put on anything. Are they still having you try different medications?
Have you figured out what triggers your flare ups? For me it’s definitely fatty foods, dairy and high fat meats. I’ve been trying to stick to a vegan diet to keep things under control and it seems to be helping. Stress is also a HUGE trigger for me. I’m thinking of trying meditation to see if that helps at all. I feel like at this point for me it’s still all trial and error.
Shoot me an email if you’d like to talk more! It’s nice to have someone who can relate to you. Jaclyn.M.Parks@gmail.com 🙂
You’re so awesome. I love this blog idea Jaclyn! The heading is beautiful! I’ll be sure to keep reading.
Aww thanks Noelle and thanks for reading it 🙂 Can’t wait for our next running date!!!
This is amazing! You are a runner and always will be, but your body will thank you for listening to it 🙂 Love the pic of you and Brandon. Keep up the good work Xoxo
Hi Honey,
I am so impressed that you are not letting Crohns stop you from doing what you love to do. I am also glad that you are listening to what your body is telling you in terms of good health. Uncle Steve and I will be here to support you in any way you need — you know that! We love you and Brandon so much and we are so glad you are doing healthy activities together. Thanks for sharing this with us — : )