vomiting during a 5k

Question
My son is a senior in H.S has been running for 6 years and still cannot figure out what is causing him to vomit during the race, have tried all suggestions, i have recently read about salt intake, need help, he is so frustrated, and has considered to stop running

Answer
My first thoughts are pre-race meals, and then, how warmed-up is he before a race.
Pre-race meals:  If he eats nothing, he is putting his body in jeopardy by running on empty and causing a fight/flight response, which can end up in vomiting in some athletes.  If he eats too much of a 'heavy meal', meaning about 500 calories or more, too soon before a race, then the blood used to digest it becomes 'competing' with the muscles for the blood it needs to transport oxygen and perform its job for the muscles.  Most pre-race suggestions I see and that work well are eating about 200-300 calories in either light solids (fruits like bananas, oranges) or light liquids.  A good pre-race drink I've had is Accelerade mix.  It has a 4:1 Carbs to Protein ratio, and when I have used it for 5K's and triathlons, I felt full of energy and not 'weighed down' with previous meals.  Its easy because its liquid, can be absorbed more quickly in the body, and it can leave the body more, too.  The trouble with light solids is that some fiber content may be causing gastric upset, such as gas, bloating, and sometimes a 'diarrhea-like' feeling for the runner.  

Warming up is another concern, too.  If his team is running/jogging before the race for 1-2 miles as a warm-up, then there is already calories and energy spent before a 3.1 race begins.  Many athletes & coaches don't factor that in.  My coaching experience has showed me that the body can get warmed up with warm-up rolling devices to the muscles before activity begins, then about 1/4 to 1/2 mile's worth or dynamic drills to increase blood flow even further.  Less energy is spent, muscles are more 'fresh' in feel, and the body has more of a 'full tank' for the efforts involved in the race.  

Vomiting after races or any stressful physical activity is really something that should be looked at in research, but unfortunately there is little on it.  For now, we have just anedoctal experiences of athletes & coaches to go by in trying to solve this issue.

I hope this information has helped you well, tell your son to hang in there strong for his senior year.  Perhaps all that is needed is a pre-race change in strategy.

Sincerely,
Rick Karboviak