Summit Announcement and the Racevine

on July 20, 2009

I have an exciting Healthy Living Summit announcement: the winner of the free Golden Ticket I gave away last month cannot attend anymore, so I’m going to be raffling off her free ticket TOMORROW. Come back in the morning to learn more!

I’ve had a busy day at work, but that’s OK with me. :) Busy is better than boring!

My stomach issues continue to irritate me. Does anyone have any thoughts of what could be causing moderate to intense stomach pain when I eat something? It only hurts after meals. And I feel so full immediately after taking a few bites. It’s been going on for a full week now!

Lunch was rather light.

The Husband made me scrambled eggs, cheese, and tomatoes on a slice of bread. It’s a small portion, but I feel stuffed.

I Heard it Through the Racevine!

I found about about a new site called the Racevine and I wanted to tell everyone about it!

Gregory from Racevine explained the site as follows:

We are a San Francisco based startup and our website is called www.racevine.com. It’s a place to easily find a race to do, write a review, read reviews of others, keep a profile of your races, and much more. Our goal is to support the endurance race community and promote the sport by helping people find, review and share their race experiences; but also to provide organizers a great source of feedback and to help raise awareness for their events. Think of it as a "Yelp or Zagat guide for races" with our users saying "I heard it through the Racevine". The New York Times recently had an article about us if you’d like to learn more!

How cool is that? I always want to read race reviews, but it doesn’t seem like there is one centralized location to find the information. Racevine seems like it will be a great site once all the races get populated with reviews. Racevine needs YOUR reviews to be successful, so if you’re ran a Marathon, Half Marathon, or a Triathlon, search for the race and review it!

They are going to add shorter distances soon, but they’re trying to populate the endurance races first.

What’s the BEST race you’ve ran? Why?

I think my favorite race was Gasparilla (Recap 1 and Recap 2).

{ 50 comments }

Alyssa July 20, 2009, 9:38 am
The only thing I can think of is that something you are eating is bothering you. For example, I have colitis and when I have noticed that certain foods DEFINITELY set things off when I eat them, such as fried and spicy foods. I would suggest keeping track of when your stomach is giving you problems and then look at what you ate beforehand. I would try not eating those foods and then see if things get better. Good luck!
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point July 20, 2009, 9:39 am
alyssa – everything makes my stomach hurt — it doesnt matter what i'm eating!
Niki July 20, 2009, 9:45 am
Sometimes gallbladder issues can be related to having pain after eating meals. You might want to look into that a little…see if you have any other symptoms that might be related.
Kim July 20, 2009, 9:46 am
Caitlin,

About 7 or 8 years ago I had a stomach issue like you are describing. It went on for 1-2 weeks. Every time I ate, my stomach just killed me! It was fine when I didn't eat. I was very full, very quickly. Finally, I started eating just a bite of sometihng here and a bite of something there. It was so frustrating! I have no idea what was, but I did finally get better. It was also summertime and I had been swimming a lot, so maybe I picked up something swimming.

I hope you are feeling better soon!
Laughing Lindsay July 20, 2009, 9:53 am
Hey girl… Long time no speak. I have had TONS of stomach problems lately. I would highly suggest to pay attention to how you're combining your food. Different foods require different digestive enzymes to aid in the digestive process – some acid, some alkaline. Protein and Carbs are the most combative inside your stomach because of the conflicting enzymes working at the same time. I've paid more attention to this and my stomach has felt much better. Let me know if you need more info, I'll be glad to send you some links.
sloank July 20, 2009, 9:56 am
I've had mannnny stomach issues! Mine have had to do with acid reflux (or GERD) or gallbladder issues. When I had gall stones I was in some SERIOUS pain and also felt quite nauseated… acid reflux just makes you feel like your throat is on fire!! I would go to a doctor ASAP, girl!
Katie July 20, 2009, 9:59 am
Gallbladder was my first thought, too. 🙁

The best race I've ever run was a 5k on New Years' Day 2009. It was 17 degrees with a wind chill close to 0. I was wearing 2 pair of pants and still couldn't feel anything below the waist. About .25 mile in I thought "Why am I doing this?" I quickly switched to positive talk and it made the race go by much more smoothly. I didn't set any kind of PR, but I ran the whole thing and felt fabulous at the finish line.
Beth July 20, 2009, 10:03 am
What comes to my mind immediately is gastric esophageal reflux (GERD). This is when the stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. When it does that, it causes irritation to the muscle at the top of the stomach, which makes it floppy which makes the acid come up more easily. It can be a viscious cycle and typically causes pain right below the breast bone and nausea.

I would try some antacids (TUMS would be least expensive)or a course of an over the counter med like Zantac. The TUMS act locally to help decrease the acid and give your esophagus a rest and the other is systemic and acts to decrease the body's production of stomach acid. Usually about 7 days is all you would need of either one.
Andee (Runtolive) July 20, 2009, 10:04 am
great website! I always go to runnerworld.com for race recaps, but it takes a bit of navigating. Hope your stomach feels better!
Kim July 20, 2009, 10:04 am
Is it possible you have an ulcer? Stomach pain and fullness/bloating after eating are both symptoms. A visit to the gastroenterologist should help solve the mystery, whatever it may be!
caitlin July 20, 2009, 10:11 am
Hi Caitlin –

When I was about 16 I had similar issues that lasted nearly 2 years. FInally they figured out that I had gallstones and I had my gallbladder removed a few days later. That was almost 10 years ago and while I still can't eat huge meals (your gallbladder pumps out bile which helps you digest big meals), I've been much much better.

Feeling really full is one of the main symptoms for gallstones. I would definitely have it checked out! And feel free to email me with any other questions as I basically diagnosed myself and then the doctor FINALLY did an ultrasound and confirmed.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point July 20, 2009, 10:12 am
caitlin = can you email me?
Anna July 20, 2009, 10:12 am
Probably the Tufts 10k for Women, which was my first race. It had such a fun and warm feeling to it- lots of sisterhood going on.
teacherwoman July 20, 2009, 10:12 am
The best race I've ran was the Fargo Half Marathon. It was so well put together and the crouds were AMAZING!
itsawrapteacher July 20, 2009, 10:13 am
If you find out what's bothering you I probably have it too! My stomach is constantly killing me after eating.

I hope I can get my hands on the golden ticket!
Erica July 20, 2009, 10:14 am
The SAME thing happens to my tummy. I am going back to the doctor today, I'll let you know what he has to say
Dori July 20, 2009, 10:17 am
I notived that all your meals are very high in fiber — that could definitely be causing some problems. Lots of volume "clogs the pipes" and can cause cramping immediately after eating, when you're adding more in. Even when you're not feeling well, the foods you generally eat to calm your tummy are just as high in fiber. My suggestion would be to take a little break from it all and see how you do. Just a thought!
The Shabby Princess July 20, 2009, 10:19 am
Have you considered that you may have developed a food allergy? I have a slight gluten/wheat allergy (I don't have Celiac) and I get a very similar full (or "puffy") feeling when I eat something with wheat in it.

Stress can also cause stomach problems.

Take care of YOU. 🙂
Monica July 20, 2009, 10:20 am
Oh my gosh! I am de-lurking because I have had that same stomach issue for over 6 months (and about a million doctor visits). For me, they have tried everything, eliminating gluten, dairy, fried food, anything delicious blah blah blah. For a week all I ate was steamed fruits and veggies, and still the pain!! So I feel ya girl! I am FINALLY getting an endoscopy Thursday so I'll let you know what they say:)

Enjoy your day and feel better!!
Monica July 20, 2009, 10:24 am
Oh and also- I have been taking nexium/prilosec which helps to heal the stomach (and treats many disorders of the stomach) so maybe you could try that.. stomach problems are the worst because all of the symptoms are very similar and everyone has an opinion haha (believeee me, I've been "diagnosed" with everything haha). Try to take some relax time for yourself.. but I guess you'll be able to do that on your days off!
brandi July 20, 2009, 10:29 am
i hope you figure it out and start feeling better! it seems like everyone has similar suggestions, so it may be worth checking out and seeing a doctor if it doesn't get better in the next day or two.
Shannon (The Daily Balance) July 20, 2009, 10:30 am
Hey girl — you might have a stomach ulcer — a good friend of mine discovered she had one after experiencing stomach pain when eating ANYTHING! If so, medicine can be prescribed which will reduce the ulcer and certain foods are also recommended (for avoiding, too!)

Hope you feel better soon 😉
Lara July 20, 2009, 10:37 am
You mention you under a lot of stress. That can cause/exacerbate underlying stomach issues such as ulcer, GERD, gallbladder, etc.
Tara July 20, 2009, 10:42 am
The ibuprofen that you are taking might be causing problems.
Katherine July 20, 2009, 10:47 am
Based on your healthy diet I suspect it has nothing to do with gallstones. I can think of two things…stress…and undereating. I know you don't have much of an appetite because of stomach pain…but undereating actually makes it worse…

I hope you figure it out and get better soon! Perhaps this weekend will lessen the stress and you can relax and have time to really enjoy your food again!!
jewels July 20, 2009, 10:48 am
Like others had said, it sounds like you might want to check out your gallbladder
hopskipleap July 20, 2009, 10:52 am
oh how I wish I could go to Boston!

Sorry about your tummy! Have you tried things like Pepto-Bismol? Is it like cramping pain or something else?

Hey, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind posting a link to my giveaway that I'm doing right now.. you might be interested in it as well! It's AMAZING! (:

http://www.hopskipleap.wordpress.com
Thanks Caitlin!
Keri
Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn July 20, 2009, 11:07 am
shoutout to you on my blog today 🙂

hope you feel better!
roseyrebecca July 20, 2009, 11:09 am
You should go to the doctor for your stomach problem if it has been going on for a week now!

My friend was having problems like that with her stomach for months and it turned out she had IBS and was gluten intolerant. She couldn't eat anything without her stomach hurting! She took some type of digesting supplement called digestive advantage before she went to the doctor and that seemed to help a bit.

I hope you feel better soon!
naturallyfrugal July 20, 2009, 11:21 am
If it's everything it could be something that's in everything. I'm thinking of gluten here, so I would go to the doctor and ask for allergy tests and a gluten intolerance test.
Angharad July 20, 2009, 11:32 am
Stomach problems are the worst 🙁 so sorry to hear you're still having issues. Since you eat such a steady, regular diet it seems unlikely to me that the pain's being caused by any food combos or something in your diet. It sounds like this is something new developing. I would definitely go to your doctor – it will put your mind at rest even if they can't find the cause straight away.

Happy, painfree vibes coming your way!
Jo July 20, 2009, 11:32 am
Hi Caitlin!

My brother had a similar stomach thing awhile back. His was caused by acid reflux, and he was eventually fine after a few weeks of taking Prilosec. Also, don't let your stomach get too empty! I know this was key for him, and was really hard since eating made him nauseous. But having a little something in there helped.

Hope you feel better soon!
Jessica July 20, 2009, 11:33 am
It sounds exactly like GERD or acid reflux. Mine comes back in periods of stress. For you, the new job, new activity and summit planning could be doing it to you. A doc can do an endoscopy to better pin point what might be happening. Unfortunately, stress, caffeine, and spicy foods are my triggers.

Hope you feel better.
roseyrebecca July 20, 2009, 11:35 am
P.S. My friend also used peppermint oil capsules that she says worked really well! 🙂
S.I.T.C. July 20, 2009, 11:35 am
Caitlin-

i have had similar stomach issues on and off. Bloating, pain, etc. I was tested for lactose intolerance and IBS but docs said I have neither. I think it may be that certain combinations of foods cause stomach problems- my nutritionist told me that mixing fruit with yogurt can cause bloating/indigestion and there are other combos of food that have a similar effect. Maybe you should see doc if problem persists. Hope your tummy gets better:)
kayevs July 20, 2009, 11:38 am
Hi Caitlin.
I would suggest using Web MD symptom checker to further narrow down what you are experiencing. It's free. I only say that because it's more detailed and I know you probably don't want to share EVERYTHING that may be happening with your upset tummy online 🙂 I'm a nurse and I know that knowing yourself is a huge key to knowing what is going on. The symptom checker can at least help you clarify your symptoms. Good luck. I'm sorry you're feeling so yucky.
Kaye
Eve July 20, 2009, 12:35 pm
It could be a plethora of reasons, as you are seeing from the various comments. I would schedule an appointment with a GI doctor. Everyone's stomachs are different, and it is so hard to know what the cause is. Hopefully he can rule of the serious problems at which point he may diagnose "IBS" and then management is different for everyone but there are some things that help.
Gena (Choosing Raw) July 20, 2009, 1:01 pm
Hey Caitlin!

It could have to do with the combinations of foods you're eating — you might want to try different ones or separating some and seeing how you feel. I did this post on food combining — let me know if it helps!

http://www.choosingraw.com/question-of-the-week-food-combining/

Gena
Susan July 20, 2009, 1:26 pm
Oooh, I love the idea of that site – there need to be one for Canada!!

I've only done two races – a 5k and a sprint triathlon, and I'm proud of them for separate reasons 🙂

Have you considered E Coli? My boyfriend had E Coli not that long ago and it sounds pretty similar to what he was feeling. He didn't see a doctor till about two weeks into it either. Produce can be pretty good breeding grounds for bacteria in the summertime – it's not just meat!
Sarah July 20, 2009, 1:51 pm
I had a similar tummy problem several years ago, where every time I ate something I got a bad, painful stomachache. I couldn't find a trigger or anything (it hurt if I ate anything more than a bite), and unfortunately, didn't have any sort of diagnosis. HOWEVER, I think it was related to stress. It was a crazy time in my life, and once I slowed down the stomachaches started to go away. You do an awful lot: 2 jobs, 2 blogs, organizing the Summit, and your Team in Traning. My guess is that you might be suffering from some stress too… Can you take a break or slow down any of these things?

You might also want to try Prilosec or protonix; even though they are "for" heartburn, they have helped me through another non-stop stomachache incident.
Kristin P. July 20, 2009, 2:25 pm
Sometimes if I eat too much fiber at a meal, my tummy gets really painful soon after and it can last half a day. Just an idea. Being a vegetarian and eating a lot of vegs, fruits and beans etc., it happens pretty often.
Anna July 20, 2009, 2:48 pm
I agree with Kristin. If I eat whole grains or a lot of fruits and veggies (esp lettuce) I get filled up really easy and feel really bloated. It's so uncomfortable. I hope you feel better.
sirenjess July 20, 2009, 2:51 pm
Don't buy the Garmin 405. Get a 305 or another model. I'm having problems with mine right now. It freaks out and will flip through screens while I run even though you can run with the bezel unlocked. It's worth it especially with all the running you do.

That website is awesome thanks for sharing.
sirenjess July 20, 2009, 2:52 pm
Okay, maybe I'm being too hasty. I love my 405 but it likes to act stupid so then I hate it.
Barbara July 20, 2009, 3:35 pm
Have you had upper and/or lower GI's done?
Gab* July 20, 2009, 7:13 pm
I was going to suggest gallbladder as well. I had gallstones when I was 19 (& quite thin), even though the stereotypical patient is â€˜female, fair, fat and fortyâ€™. I had excruciating pain after eating and nausea and couldnâ€™t eat much in one sitting. It was finally diagnosed via ultrasound and I had my gallbladder removed â€“ best thing I ever did! Your gallbladder stores bile which breaks down fat, do you find itâ€™s worse when you eat something fatty? Having said that, my brother also had gallstones, his went on for such a long time and got so bad that he got pain from eating chicken breast (trimmed and dry fried) and boiled white rice! The only side effect from having your gallbladder removed is that you can no longer store bile so if you eat something really fatty your body may not be able to produce enough bile â€˜on demandâ€™ and you wonâ€™t have the reserves to call on so you get a bit of a tummy ache! I find animal fats are the worst (but you donâ€™t eat them anyway) but I donâ€™t really like them anyway so I stay away from them. I had mine taken out 10 years ago and thatâ€™s the only side effect Iâ€™ve noticed and honestly it doesnâ€™t bother me as you have to eat lots of fat to get a tummy ache! I still remember that pain thoughâ€¦
Niki July 20, 2009, 7:30 pm
My nursing opinion is to definitely go see a DR. since it keeps bugging you. It could be a number of things that everyone has already mentioned. I noticed earlier you said you pop ibproufen a lot to decrease swelling and knee pain but that can cause stomach ulcers or exaccerbate tummy issues so you may want to try to eliminate that and see what happens. But definitely go get checked out, if it really is something like an ulcer or gallbladder issues it can get much worse. Hope you feel better soon!!
prinny July 21, 2009, 1:47 am
I suffered from gastritis a couple years ago (during a high-stress time when I also was injured and took a lot of ibuprofen – two things that are likely to cause it). My symptoms were similar to what you describe.
I went to see a DR at the end because it got so bad, and after taking prescription meds for a couple weeks and relaxing my lifstyle it disappeared. But it still comes back when I'm really stressed – in these cases, I try to not eat hot, spicy foods for a couple days and limit my fruit (acid) intake. Milk and yoghurt works good for me.
Good luck!
k July 21, 2009, 6:02 am
sirenjess- have you put it on auto scroll by accident?
(sorry to hijack, just thought i'd try to offer some help)

caitlin- when i have chronic stomach issues, it is usually stress related.
Trish July 21, 2009, 7:26 am
Hi Caitlin,

I have celiac disease (a food allergy to gluten) and I didn't get diagnosed until I was 28. I am now 30. While I most likely had it my entire life, my doctor said that sometimes it takes "stressful" situations or even a virus infection to show itself. I am definitely not a doctor, but for about a year prior to my diagnosis my stomach hurt after eating, was VERY bloated, and sooner or later, the food had to come out (one way or another). Sorry for the images….I hope you feel better soon and that it's just a phase, good luck!

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