Marathon training with a stoma | by Kevin
When I considered training for my second marathon, I’ll be honest it felt daunting especially the battles I went through in my first marathon and not actually training correctly for this. It was more a case of just getting understanding that this time it’s different.
Endurance pushes the body to its limits, and when you’re already navigating life with an ostomy there are extra layers to think about. But as I’ve always said, I wont let my stoma define my limits, this is something that I’m in control of and I wanted to test myself.
In this blog I’m sharing what my marathon training looks like for me, the challenges I have faced so far and the practical advice that I can give to anyone thinking about running with a stoma, and going the distance whether that be 5km, 10km or a full marathon.
Training for 26.2 miles is tough for anyone but with a stoma it adds a new level of planning, but it’s not impossible. For me the biggest shift isn’t the physical element, although I do have to consider this, it was more of a mental shift. The one thing a lot of us have when we first see our stoma is a barrier, but it’s the mind-shift of starting to see it as something I could work with. Once I had made that mind-shift, everything else becomes about the strategy.
There were early challenges of not all running gear works well with a stoma, which I quickly worked out. Certain waistbands that sat directly over my stoma were uncomfortable, loose clothing caused friction with movement and standard running belts would sit awkwardly on or across my bag. It has taken a lot of trial and error to find the right compression wear that supports my core and my stoma without restricting it. A good support is a game changer and helps reduce the movement and give me the confidence on long runs.
One huge area for me to focus on in my training has been the hydration element due to not being able to absorb key nutrients. Hydration is crucial and has been in my marathon training, because of how my body absorbs fluids, I have to be very intentional. Long runs mean that I need to drink small amounts, little and often, rather than trying to get as much down me as possible. My current fluid intake is around 750ml per hour.
Adding key electrolytes to my drink while running but also the build up to my runs to ensure I’m in the best possible condition before, during and after the run. I currently take a high amount of electrolytes from a leading fuel and hydration company, this would equate to 750mg of sodium over 750ml of fluids per hour. If you have a stoma you know that hydration isn’t something that you can wing. You have to work this out as you train, advice is ok but the real test is how you manage this yourself and understand what you need.
I’m sure the one thing that is on most peoples mind with a stoma and doing any form or sporting activities, and was on mine, is ‘what if I have a leak?’. The fear was loud in the early days of training but my routine gives me the confidence especially using an eakin seal which gives me huge security in my bag and ensures I have no leaks.
Living with a stoma is a journey that we all go on with our health and our mental health. Very similar is training and running a marathon; a lot is physical and we can build our fitness after surgery or build that strength though marathon training, but they both have something in common. It’s about what is in the mind that will get you through the situation you find yourself in. This could be getting out of bed in the early stages of stoma surgery, very similarly it can be the last 5 miles of a marathon – they all take a certain level of personal drive and resilience. How much do you want it? How much do you want to feel better and start the recovery phase after surgery? I know I’m going to finish this marathon or training session.
The one person that is only going to be holding you back is yourself. I understand a marathon might not be in everyone’s bucket list but we all have our own goals and applying the same theory of working hard, challenging yourself to be better and get further each time is what will get you over the line, either in a personal goal or something like the marathon.
Marathon training with a stoma isn’t always straightforward. It requires planning, adaptability and self-awareness, but it is absolutely achievable. If you are living with a stoma and dreaming about a big goal, this could be a fitness goal, or whether it’s your first 5k, 10k or even full marathon – don’t count yourself out. Prepare correctly, learn your body and trust the process.
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