Hi All,
Just read an article regarding use of Tums during IM to reduce effects of GI distress. Anyone use them? What impact do you believe it had, if any?
Cheers!
I coached a guy who had problems with the acid in gatorade and suffered on race days.
Being a person who has GERD I told him about prilosec.
He took prilosec for the two days before the race and had no problems with acid from the sports drinks that day.
I used them during my IM and use currently use them before long training rides. I find it helps with the acidity caused by some drinks and food.
Oh, tums. I thought the title said turns. Was wondering what this would be about lol.
I used them in a recent 70.3, after 1/2 the roll it finally started to work. I’m going to try the Prilosec as suggested and see if I have better luck.
I have a pretty finicky stomach, especially with racing, so 3 hours before the race (Challenge Penticton) i took an acid reducer, then during the run, along with salt tablets, i would take the occasional TUMS, the tummy troubles were minimized,
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I have struggled with nausea on many, if not most, of my IM runs. Not sure the exact cause, but I can get almost nothing down but cola without making it worse.
I had used tums pretty religiously on the run before. Not sure the caloric value of each, but there have been times I have used one tablet at just about each aid station each time I take a drink or bite just to help me get in some calories. So yes, I’ve used ALOT of the during a race with some success.
I have found that ginger tabs work even better for me. They certainly don’t necessarily taste as good, but they work immediately (like within 5 seconds) for me. I still take a lot of them too, but hopefully I can figure out my issues. The tabs are just a band aid to the problem, but do work.
Jerry
I had a roll of them in my Bento box throughout training and during IMLP this year. I don’t get big GI distress but it helps if you do. It certainly wouldn’t hurt anything.
I’ve used Zantac in the past with no issues. Usually just took one before I headed out for the run. Had a buddy that would take a swig of Pepto in T2 as well.
Not race related, but I often have reflux if I’m swimming in the afternoon. Tums helps then.
Curious if any Tums users have had issues with cramps. If pickle juice (acid) is a solution to cramps, it would stand to reason that antacid would worsen them.
I’ve never had an issue with cramps when using them. In fact, I think it has helped me avoid them (though it’s too difficult to really tell. Way too many factors).
I have used both Tums and Gas Ex in racing with much success versus not using them. I tend to swallow a lot of air in the swim and that is the purpose of the Gas Ex. The tums are used mostly PRN late in the bike if I get any souring. However, my last race (Chattanooga) I did not need them. Never a problem with cramping with either. Gas Ex actually has eliminated my cramping history. At least the abdominal kind.