Fantastic that you have set yourself a goal
I run - love it, can't get enough of it. But the running brought on the "runs" and the daily attacks of rectal bleeding that may or may not mean I have a legit reason to be on this forum (colonoscopy in 3 weeks after a very very long wait). I still run 6 times a week. No one has ordered me to stop yet although it isn't pleasant touring the local public loos every morning!
I have done several half marathons in training and have done one half race (usually I stick with racing 5kms and doing daily 10km runs) with another half marathon in 5 weeks. I coped with the half marathon race by employing the following strategies:
Lots of training and give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the higher running distances. My symptoms get worse with stress so train over a longer period of time than some plans suggest so that you feel in control of your running and know you can do the distance
As everyone says, hydration is crucial - get used to drinking lots of water, especially the day before the race or your long training runs. And drink during the run. It is really important - either learn how to run and drink or walk through the water stations. I usually run and drink but keep drinking until I finish the whole cup - means you're carrying it for a while looking for a bin but needs must
Experiment with sports recovery drinks - I use Powerade but I make it myself by buying the powder, then I can make it slightly weaker. I have not ventured into Gu gels but do tolerate Gu Chomps and take two or three with me on a 20km plus run, as well as some Powerade. Basically I take far less than they advise. I have also taken dried apricots with me on runs
I went very low fat for about 3 days before the race and low fibre. Upped my carb intake. Lowered my veg and fruit intake slightly. No dairy for 24hrs beforehand
I drove the course and plotted a loo map. I had places to stop at 3km, 6km, 9km, 12km, 16km and 18km. I decided on a strategy to plan a loo stop at 6km. I did this and had to stop again at 12km, then I just got on with running. This meant I was in control of my body - I have lost control in a 10km race - it was horrid, truly revolting
Because I don't know what, if anything, is wrong with me, I have kept a food diary to see what impact meals have on my body. I can't run the morning after red meat in fact I think generally I have a bit of a problem with protein as eggs sometimes wreck my runs.
I try to run first thing, on an empty stomach. Afternoon runs are almost always a disaster for me. I have had some success with wholemeal pikelets, banana, raisins and a drizzle of maple syrup before long runs but for anything less than 10km I just go on empty.
I hope this helps. I've been battling for 12 months with random symptoms. I wasn't going to do any races past 5km because of the need for loo stops but I persevered. I'm really glad I did but get very frustrated when things get tough...three loo stops on a 10km grinds you down. But you just have to get back up and find a way to regain a little bit of control. I've had some really good results from running this year in between the frustration and tears. I wish you all the luck in the world
