Feeling sick after a run

Question
Mrs Stewart,
I am a senior in High School and running for the Cross Country team. I am in pretty decent shape; however I am not super fast or anything like that. Last week my team and I did a pretty demanding hill workout and a little over 1/2 way I started to get pretty bad menstrual cramps (I am not in my cycle). I finished the workout but afterwards I couldn't stand and had to sit down for 5 minutes. After that I could function again but I still felt nauseous. The rest of the week went well, but then today we did 5 one mile repeats and it happened all over again. All I have before I run is a piece of toast and water, so I don抰 think it has to do with what I eat. However, this has never happened to me before and I was wondering what you think I should do. I don't really want to go to the doctor unless I have to because I think he will just say something like 揓ust don抰 run as hard? and that is not helpful!!

Jane


Answer
Hi, Jane

I am sorry to hear about your distress.  However, I do think it has to do with what you're eating, or rather what you're not eating.

Both times you have had problems, you have had hard runs.  However, your body hasn't been fueled properly to handle the demand.  A piece of toast and water isn't enough to handle hill workouts and sprints.  You need more hydration (which is probably causing the cramps) and more carbs for energy.  Also, after your workouts you'll want to have a combo of protein and carbs to aid in your muscle recovery.  That can be a shake, smoothie, or food.  But you should have that within one hour of finishing your workout.  It might also be a good idea to have that combo within one hour of beginning your workout.

I don't think you need to go to the doctor, I just think you're dehydrated and lacking fuel for your runs.  Try that and see how it goes!