Throwing up during race

Question
Dear John,

My name is Harrison, and i am a 17 year old runner. My pr is 18:24, and i train very consistently around 45 miles a week, with threshold work once or twice a week.
At the end of every race, particularly with about 200-400 meters to go, i begin to dry heave. If this goes on long enough, i start throwing up. This has been going on since my freshman year, and I'm now a senior. I really want to take the next step forward in my running, but i feel like this is holding me back. I've tried everything as far as drinking different amount of different liquids at different times before races, and the some goes for trying different diet habbits too. Do you have any advice as to what i can do to put a stop to my dry heaving, or any other combinations of hydrating and diet i can try? I really want to put this behind me to advance my running.

Thanks for the time,
Harrison

Answer
Hi Harrison
This is more commom then you think.As far as diet i can't tell if that is a factor since i don't no when you and what you eat prior to race and night before.Your body has built in defenses to protect you as i describe in the following inquiry from another runner.It is very hard to explain in email,and if you want to call i can elaborate further.Your just in oxygen dept to long at the end of race and then you bury the needle with 200 to 400 to go.You have to control your pace towards the last mile.Any other questions just get in touch Harrison.

All the best

John



You answered this question on 10/29/06
Questioner:     timmy lyons
Category:    Jogging & Running
Private:    No     View Published Answer

Subject:    Dry heaving
Question:    I have been running on and off since 4 years ago when I ran cross-country in highschool, and I recently started to run at least 3 miles a workout to get ready for a 5k. When I ran the 5k I started dry heaving on and off the last mile to the point where I slowed down some. The last 200 meters I tried to kick but each time I tried to sprint I started to gag and had to slow back down, I couldn't finish strong at all, I had to jog it in which is something I never did. How can I race without worrying about dry heaving holding me back. Any help would be appreciated. And why is this happening.

Answer:    Hi Timmy
Your problem is somewhat common when your running a pace which is a little over your head and then you push even harder at the end.You just have to watch your comfort level toward the end and don't push so hard.Even pace all the way produces the best results.To answer the question on why........
Here is one thing which i'm sure is contributory that i can comment.As far as the dry heaves go this is a fairly common thing when you push to hard.It is a very fine line when this occures.The factors probably responsble include:decreased blood flow to the intestine and retention of food in the stomach during running;build up of acid and metabolic products in the blood;and overactivity of the vagus and sympathic nervous stsytems which stimulat the vomiting center.

All the best Timmy