Question:
I am running a 1/2 Marathon next week and want to know how to prepare for the race?

Any post-ops have advice on running marathons and keeping up your energy level? I am running a 1/2 Marathon next weekend and want to know what to eat pre-race, what to eat the morning of, and what to eat/drink during the race so I don't pass out. Anybody have advice? I'd really appreciate it!! Please send replies to [email protected]. THANKS!! STEPHANIE    — FoxyLibrarian (posted on February 16, 2002)

February 16, 2002
Dear Anonymous: Could you possibly be more rude and inconsiderate? Are you intentionally trying to hurt someone's feelings, and if not why don't you just go ahead and include your name? It just pisses me off when people come here for advice and support and get that kind of response. Stephanie, I'm certainly not to the point where I can run a marathon so I don't know much about preparing in terms of nutrition, although I would think water intake is probably the greatest concern followed by protein and complex carbs for energy. I checked out your profile and we started around the same weight. You look great! Your question is valid and no one should be treated like this when they come here for advice. We may not all be running marathons yet but many of us aspire to that level of physical activity and I think you should be applauded and supported and people on this website need to realize that the need for support for wls surgery patients is vital even after one has reached their goal . Good Luck!
   — Angelia M.

February 16, 2002
Oh, come on, ANON, don't you have anything better to do with your time than to hurt people's feelings? We're all in this together, for support. If you don't have anything to contribute that's informative and positive, then just don't post! To the poster: Good Luck and Congrats on your new health!!;P Donna in AL
   — Donna S. C.

February 16, 2002
Oh grow up anonymous! If you can't say something to help somebody then don't post here. Even if you have advice to give that may not be loaded with compliments or is constructive criticism you can still say something in a "nice" way to a person without being mean and hurting their feelings. I wonder if you have even had surgery or are a true WLS patient,...Amy Patient is that you? Your's it the worst profile I have ever read here. At least have the guts to sign your name if you are going to be mean so the poster and the rest of us can address you if we choose to. Shame on your chicken self.... Stephanie: You go girl! What a dream that would be for me to run a marathon! I am walking two miles a day now and am almost 10 wks. post-op, every step I take is an accomplishment for me. I am STILL fat, have been that way for over 20 years and you can bet if I could stagger my way to run a marathon I'd do it! Be sure and post how you do. There are LOTS of us who care and are backing you all the way!
   — esthjb

February 16, 2002
I am glad the rude response was deleted. For the record anymous posters are visible to the moderators, and get a email for posts like this....
   — bob-haller

February 16, 2002
Running a marathon is my ultimate goal. I'm hoping by the fall that I am in good enough shape to run a 5K. Best of luck to you and please, like Barb suggested, post to this question after you've run this race...I'd LOVE to hear how it went. Way to go!!
   — Donna L.

February 16, 2002
Hi Stephanie...Congratulations! I am 51 and ironically it is something I'd like to try after surgery and weight loss. I had worked with Team Diabetes coordinating runners for the marathons and I know that carb loading is a big deal so you might have to space yours prerace...Most do this huge breakfast in early early am....you might need to graze. Look for sugar free drinks you can do along the way of the gatorade types; lots of water; Some use the gels or protein bars so you could probably use them but I'd suggest you try all of this out long before the marathon as some people do not do well with them and you don't need to be sick along the route. My best suggestion though is your coach...if you don't have one, get one who can help to put together a plan for you. Best of luck to you.
   — AJC750