So I’ve looked at my cycling mileage for June and they are more like what I was doing over the winter instead of the glorious warm weather riding I should be doing. Through May I was riding four days a week; I’ve been out on only four days this whole month. Going on vacation definitely had an impact, as did accommodating my husband’s business travel schedule. His schedule is only going to get more complex between now and the end of October so I’m going to have to get out when I can.
I’ve also been battling stomach issues since the beginning of June. I’m no stranger to them – they started in high school with a peptic ulcer from drinking a few pots of coffee a day. Hey – that’s what my friends and I did during Second Hour! I remember living off Diet Coke and saltines that summer as I let my stomach heal. But really, my stomach has never been the same. So I’ve made lots of dietary changes in the last eighteen or so years.
(g-d that makes me feel old)
Stomach issues tend to be more common in women than men too – like twice as likely. Which is probably why none of my guy friends ever seem to have issues with eating crazy-spicy foods, drink copious amounts of alcohol, and refill on coffee all day.
- I’ve cut out spicy food (a relative term since anything more than Medium is too spicy to me).
- I don’t drink alcohol except special occasions – and I have a one-drink maximum.
- I avoid acidic foods. Orange juice with breakfast went a long time ago but I love pizza too much.
- I’ve reduced the amount of fried and fatty foods, replacing them with fresh and vegetarian options.
- For several years I quit coffee and only enjoyed tea (black, green, and white), but I worked coffee back into my diet a few years ago. I just love it too much. But I limit myself to one oversize mug per day, about 2 cups.
I exercise and generally eat right. And for the most part, I don’t have issues. Except this is the second time I’ve battled my stomach this year. I’ve been on omeprazole for ten days now with limited relief. So it’s time to go see a doctor. Which is timely, as I have a major (140+ mile) bike ride planned on Friday and I really don’t want to miss it because of my stomach. I’ve already missed too many bike rides this year due to feeling like my body is trying to turn itself inside out when it’s time to roll out.
I write all this not to garner sympathy or supportive messages – but to validate to myself that it’s not an excuse. I need to get back on the level so I can go back to being fun and awesome again. I miss myself!
And also, perhaps there are other recreational athletes out there who struggle with this too from time to time – we aren’t alone even though sometimes it can feel that way. I mean really, who wants to admit they have a sensitive stomach?
Hope to see you on the road soon!
wife. mother. awesome girl. 
You are NOT the only one with stomach issues! Good lord my stomach has been harboring a small rabid animal now for the last 10 years until only recently I discovered my GI system HATES gluten. All those Cliff bars (loaded with gluten) all the bike food in general is loaded with gluten. And I wondered why it was worse during the riding season 🙂 It really sucks, I feel your pain. As for the long ride coming up just take care of yourself and don’t push when you really shouldn’t. Play it smart.
Thanks for your support. 🙂
I had planned to do a century this weekend but couldn’t put food into my belly to get ready to roll out so I bailed. And I felt terrible about it. But for my own sake, I’d rather stay home than have to call for someone to pick me up if I guess wrong. I have to remember to honor myself before my other desires.
So I’ve been telling myself I’m just on a nice long taper for this ride. LOL
Mentally I’m there … just need to get my body in line too. 🙂
Feel better and good luck.
Thanks!
May I highly recommend to you a natural doctor? She’s excellent and may very well help you more than medication. I’m not against western medicine, by any means. But if you haven’t found relief with traditional methods, perhaps speaking with my friend could benefit you. Let me know if you want her info.
I hope you feel better! Don’t push yourself too hard 🙂
Thanks. This year has been more medically-intense than years past for sure. I’m going to see what our family doc can do – if there is still no relief, I’ll reach out for your natural doc’s number. 🙂
A great mantra: It’s healing already. 🙂
I can identify with your struggle and pain Laura, I suffered from gastric issues throughout my 20s and 30s, like you I was a diet coke drinker. I had a gastric ulcer, and I actually had my gallbladder removed through keyhole surgery several years ago (severe pain feels similar to an ulcer, like your tummy is on fire) and since then my tummy has been even more sensitive to anything acidic, or hard, such as citris fruit, seeds and nuts. Since I’ve cut out grains my tummy definitely feels better and I have to reach for the Nexium (esomeprazole) less and less. I love spicy food and occasionally I will endulge, but then I pay the price a few hours later for several days! Anyway I hope you feel better soon!
Thanks. My mom had her gallbladder out last year and wants me to get it checked out – but it’s not a burning sensation. It’s more like someone kicked me in the gut. Or waves of nausea. And thinking what I might like to eat makes me not want to eat. It’s good to know I’m not alone in this battle! 🙂