Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED (Page 15)

2011-02-03 8:55 AM

in reply to: #3336447

Elite

3515

Romeoville, Il

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

stribbitt - 2011-02-02 8:38 PM

February goals are bike 75 miles, run 7 hours, swim 3,600 yards. So frustrated with the swim. Taking swim lessons and besides my stroke, kick, breathing and timing, everything is just fine. I look at my fellow swimmers gliding through the water and I am so jealous. I swim like I am in a street fight -- all thrashing and crazy effort but no forward progress...Sorry to vent... I believe it will turn around, just wishing it would happen a bit closer to now.Â

Sheree,

swimming is more form than endurance, unlike the other 2 sports. It just takes some time to get it down. I'm still waiting for it to come to me too. I struggle swimming because everytime I spend the time I need to in the pool I get sinus infections and have to quit for a while.

Just keep plugging away! It'll come

JCambras

2011-02-03 9:31 AM

in reply to: #3336964

Member

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

Meulen - 2011-02-03 9:55 AM

stribbitt - 2011-02-02 8:38 PM February goals are bike 75 miles, run 7 hours, swim 3,600 yards. So frustrated with the swim. Taking swim lessons and besides my stroke, kick, breathing and timing, everything is just fine. I look at my fellow swimmers gliding through the water and I am so jealous. I swim like I am in a street fight -- all thrashing and crazy effort but no forward progress...Sorry to vent... I believe it will turn around, just wishing it would happen a bit closer to now.Â

Sheree, swimming is more form than endurance, unlike the other 2 sports. It just takes some time to get it down. I'm still waiting for it to come to me too. I struggle swimming because everytime I spend the time I need to in the pool I get sinus infections and have to quit for a while.

Just keep plugging away! It'll come

I have no idea if there is a correlation, but I noticed my "sinus infections" started going away as soon as I started using earplugs. I'm thinking maybe I was giving myself ear infections all along, or maybe it was pure coincidence...

2011-02-03 9:55 AM

in reply to: #3337056

Elite

3515

Romeoville, Il

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

JCambras - 2011-02-03 9:31 AM

Meulen - 2011-02-03 9:55 AM

stribbitt - 2011-02-02 8:38 PM February goals are bike 75 miles, run 7 hours, swim 3,600 yards. So frustrated with the swim. Taking swim lessons and besides my stroke, kick, breathing and timing, everything is just fine. I look at my fellow swimmers gliding through the water and I am so jealous. I swim like I am in a street fight -- all thrashing and crazy effort but no forward progress...Sorry to vent... I believe it will turn around, just wishing it would happen a bit closer to now.Â

Sheree, swimming is more form than endurance, unlike the other 2 sports. It just takes some time to get it down. I'm still waiting for it to come to me too. I struggle swimming because everytime I spend the time I need to in the pool I get sinus infections and have to quit for a while.

Just keep plugging away! It'll come

I've noticed the same. Infact, my last swim I forgot my earplugs. Now I have a sinus infection!

2011-02-03 11:42 AM

in reply to: #3337122

Veteran

220

Pittsburgh, PA

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

So some of you may know that I have been having some serious stomach pains after my runs since November. The pain especially increases the longer I go and can last up to 15 hours after I stop running. It comes with lovely side effects as well. I eliminated dairy in my diet, increased water intake, basically I've done everything I should be doing. Having had two kids, I can honestly say that the pain can sometimes be as intense as being thrown into the depths of labor pains. So, I was very excited that after a month I finally had my GI appointment today. I am not sure why I was so convinced that I would have an answer, but I really thought this would be resolved and I could run without pain. Basically, he ruled out everything- I don't have IBS, no this, no that, blah, blah, blah. I'm going to have an MRA (I think it's similar to an MRI, but I'm not totally sure) to see if my blood vessels are too narrow, which he doubts, but he said it is running induced. He told me that I will never be able to do more than a sprint tri and I should wipe any thoughts of a half or full marathon out of my head right now. At first I started crying (bawling, actually) in his office. I felt completed defeated. And as I started driving back to work, I got mad. I thought how dare this idiot who talked to me for a total of two minutes say that I shouldn't run any more. F him! And then I regained composure (namaste) and remembered a quote from Rolf Gates, "You are already the person you want to become."

So, with that being said, I'm going to run through it. Does anyone do running power workouts? It's different from fartleks, where you sprint and then pace yourself. From my understanding you do something like 1-2-3-2-1 (one minute running as hard as you can, then 2 minutes, then 3, then back down). Then you would work up to 1-2-3-2-3-1, etc. I think I'm going to start doing it...maybe as a brick with spinning. Though at first it's only 9 minutes, it's apparently the hardest 9 minutes you can run. I heard you feel like crap after the first time you do it, but you build up just like anything. I would love to hear feedback or just your opinions about them.

JCambras

2011-02-03 11:51 AM

in reply to: #3256125

Member

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

February Goals:

S: 15000.00 M - 8h

B: 132.50 Mi - 8h 15m

R: 50.40 Mi - 7h 53m

Wow that looks like a lot - let's see how I do!

Going to join a running club in the city for Weds night 6 mile runs and a biking club when it get warms for Sat. runs. This should help stay motivated and meet like-minded people.

2011-02-03 12:37 PM

in reply to: #3337436

Elite

3515

Romeoville, Il

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

libramom - 2011-02-03 11:42 AM

So some of you may know that I have been having some serious stomach pains after my runs since November. The pain especially increases the longer I go and can last up to 15 hours after I stop running. It comes with lovely side effects as well. I eliminated dairy in my diet, increased water intake, basically I've done everything I should be doing. Having had two kids, I can honestly say that the pain can sometimes be as intense as being thrown into the depths of labor pains. So, I was very excited that after a month I finally had my GI appointment today. I am not sure why I was so convinced that I would have an answer, but I really thought this would be resolved and I could run without pain. Basically, he ruled out everything- I don't have IBS, no this, no that, blah, blah, blah. I'm going to have an MRA (I think it's similar to an MRI, but I'm not totally sure) to see if my blood vessels are too narrow, which he doubts, but he said it is running induced. He told me that I will never be able to do more than a sprint tri and I should wipe any thoughts of a half or full marathon out of my head right now. At first I started crying (bawling, actually) in his office. I felt completed defeated. And as I started driving back to work, I got mad. I thought how dare this idiot who talked to me for a total of two minutes say that I shouldn't run any more. F him! And then I regained composure (namaste) and remembered a quote from Rolf Gates, "You are already the person you want to become."

So, with that being said, I'm going to run through it. Does anyone do running power workouts? It's different from fartleks, where you sprint and then pace yourself. From my understanding you do something like 1-2-3-2-1 (one minute running as hard as you can, then 2 minutes, then 3, then back down). Then you would work up to 1-2-3-2-3-1, etc. I think I'm going to start doing it...maybe as a brick with spinning. Though at first it's only 9 minutes, it's apparently the hardest 9 minutes you can run. I heard you feel like crap after the first time you do it, but you build up just like anything. I would love to hear feedback or just your opinions about them.

definitely get a second opinion! maybe talk to a sports med guy too. Watching Anne's mom go through undiagnosed hell for the rest of her life I noticed some things about doctors. They like to tell you all sorts of garbage when they can't figure out what you have or what's going on. Personally, I still think that when your fitness improves and you nail down your pre-workout nutrition that eventually it will come together and you'll be ok. You may be running too hard still too. Most of your runs should barely be jogs, like zone 2!!!. Only 1 per week 3x/month should be a tempo or interval run!

I don't pretend to be a runner, but I've had really steady gains doing lots of slow runs and 1 hard run 3x per month. My hard runs vary from tempo runs to hill training to intervals. One of my interval workouts is similar to your power workout you talk about. I'll outline the workout I do and you can modify time/distance to your max potential.

1/4 mile walk
2.75 miles easy pace 7mph
on the 3 mile mark 9 mph for .25 mile
1/4 easy pace
on the 4 mile mark 10mph for .25 mile
1/4 easy pace
on the 5 mile mark 11mph for .25 mile
1/4 easy pace

It's a progressive interval workout. That last interval you should feel like your not going to make it the 1/4!!

If there is one thing I have to stress though is you almost never run race pace for a full run. The closest you get is an occassional tempo run. I can't tell you how many new runners I see make this mistake and they end up injured or just needlessly over do it all the time. You'd be amazed how big of gains you get with a bunch of easy running!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you'd be surprised what problems you have in the first year go away after your body gets used to the training. The second year of hard training is soooooo much better!

Edited by Meulen 2011-02-03 12:54 PM

2011-02-03 12:39 PM

in reply to: #3337459

Elite

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Romeoville, Il

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

JCambras - 2011-02-03 11:51 AM

February Goals:

S: 15000.00 M - 8h

B: 132.50 Mi - 8h 15m

There is nothing like joining groups to keep the motivation!

2011-02-03 12:58 PM

in reply to: #3337569

Veteran

220

Pittsburgh, PA

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

thanks, Brian. I, too, think the stomach thing will eventually disappear. I'm going to try short sprints tonight!!

QueerDrummer

2011-02-03 4:09 PM

in reply to: #3336442

Veteran

318

Minneapolis

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

shrevemaintenance - 2011-02-02 8:36 PM I feel sorry for all of you. It has returned to nice weather here. Super sunny and warm. You guys should take a vacation and go somewhere warm like California. Brian, they have a great triathilon in Santa Barbara called the Long Course. It is more than an Olympic but less than a HIM. It is supposed to be one of the toughest Triathilons in California. Long ocean swim, Real Technical hilly bike ride and a 10 mile run with hills. It is in August. It might be a good race on your way to HIM and a super nice vacation too. It is beautiful here. Mountains meet Ocean. There are large islands off the coast. Love it here.

I'm taking your advice and heading to Mexico in 7 days! Can't wait! A little stressed about keeping up with the workouts, but when I return I'll still be 11.5 weeks out from my race, so I think I'll be fine. Planning to get in my swimming & running times for the week so I can still meet my Feb goals.

QueerDrummer

2011-02-03 4:22 PM

in reply to: #3337436

Veteran

318

Minneapolis

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

libramom - 2011-02-03 11:42 AM So some of you may know that I have been having some serious stomach pains after my runs since November. The pain especially increases the longer I go and can last up to 15 hours after I stop running. It comes with lovely side effects as well. I eliminated dairy in my diet, increased water intake, basically I've done everything I should be doing. Having had two kids, I can honestly say that the pain can sometimes be as intense as being thrown into the depths of labor pains. So, I was very excited that after a month I finally had my GI appointment today. I am not sure why I was so convinced that I would have an answer, but I really thought this would be resolved and I could run without pain. Basically, he ruled out everything- I don't have IBS, no this, no that, blah, blah, blah. I'm going to have an MRA (I think it's similar to an MRI, but I'm not totally sure) to see if my blood vessels are too narrow, which he doubts, but he said it is running induced. He told me that I will never be able to do more than a sprint tri and I should wipe any thoughts of a half or full marathon out of my head right now. At first I started crying (bawling, actually) in his office. I felt completed defeated. And as I started driving back to work, I got mad. I thought how dare this idiot who talked to me for a total of two minutes say that I shouldn't run any more. F him! And then I regained composure (namaste) and remembered a quote from Rolf Gates, "You are already the person you want to become."

So, with that being said, I'm going to run through it. Does anyone do running power workouts? It's different from fartleks, where you sprint and then pace yourself. From my understanding you do something like 1-2-3-2-1 (one minute running as hard as you can, then 2 minutes, then 3, then back down). Then you would work up to 1-2-3-2-3-1, etc. I think I'm going to start doing it...maybe as a brick with spinning. Though at first it's only 9 minutes, it's apparently the hardest 9 minutes you can run. I heard you feel like crap after the first time you do it, but you build up just like anything. I would love to hear feedback or just your opinions about them.

Erin, have you looked into any holistic medicine/remedies? I'll ask around and see if I've heard of anyone else experiencing pain like this - I have a small group of runner friends who do marathons & such (I guess I can consider myself a "runner" since doing my first 5K last year, but I will never be a RUNNER lol) - and let you know if anyone has suggestions. I definitely agree w/ Brian's suggestion to get a 2nd opinion and I recommend seeing if there are any sport-specific clinics in your area. My GP's clinic has a Sports & Orthopedic Care department attached to it called the Institute for Athletic Medicine. I have been going there on & off for 3 years for physical therapy due to back problems and they have *really* helped me. This round of appointments they even had me do a running analysis and soon I'll bring my bicycle in so they can do a cycling analysis and make sure my bike fits properly & such. I think they are just in MN but there are probably similar clinics all over and this one takes my insurance and everything. Hope you find a solution soon!
-Henry

2011-02-03 7:23 PM

in reply to: #3256125

Veteran

220

Pittsburgh, PA

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

thanks so much for your suggestions, Henry. Having a support like this is really important to me! I did see a Naturopathic doctor when I lived in Charlotte, NC. The problem is that it's all out-of-pocket and pretty costly. I'll keep looking around! Have fun in Mexico!!!!!!

mcommend

2011-02-03 8:13 PM

in reply to: #3256125

Veteran

283

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

My friend gave me a trainer to use, so I was finally able to "ride" my new bike! Since this is now the centerpiece in our family/living room, I suspect that I will be putting a lot of time in the saddle. This is definitely better than nothing!

gadgetlaw

2011-02-03 8:16 PM

in reply to: #3256125

Veteran

458

Greensburg, PA

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

Well, my swimming plans for February are already in jeopardy. I got up early this morning to head to the pool. Imagine my surprise, the pool is closed until next week! It usually closes for a week each year for cleaning/maintenance, but that has always been in May. So, I came back home and hopped on the trainer for 45 minutes. At least I got a workout in today - had a meeting after work and just got home.

Brian - are you dug out yet?

Sheree - I feel your frustration with swimming. I am the type who could swim all day, but everybody and their grandmother can swim past me like I have bricks on my feet! I enjoy swimming, but it is does get disheartening to always be one of the last out of the water. But the only thing I can say is keep at it! It will get better. I have made some improvements when I spend consistent time in the pool.

Erin - I am sorry you are experiencing so much pain! I am not sure what else I can add. Finding a good doctor, whether it be an MD, DO, chiropractor, acupuncturist, whatever, that you trust and that listens to your your concerns is so hard. I agree, sometimes I think it is easier for a doctor to just say don't run than try to find a solution for your problem. I don't know how many times I have heard that! I am still running, pain free right now, and am training for my first HM in May! Don't give up hope! Have you considered your diet? Sometimes different foods can have weird side effects?

Happy Training
Karen

Edited by gadgetlaw 2011-02-03 8:31 PM

shrevemaintenance

2011-02-03 10:38 PM

in reply to: #3256125

Regular

Goleta / Santa Barbara

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

Brian, I use a nose clip. Have you tried that? It really helps my breath. I never get any water up my nose even during the kick flips. I used to try and swim without it. What a difference it made. Never got any sinus infections. As for the swimming. I don't try and be fast. I try and be long. I wait until the last second to pull which causes me to glide a bit further with every stroke. I can make it across a 25 yard pool in 20 strokes. When I started and was trying to go faster it took 25+ strokes to get accross. I made it 2000 yards today. Thats a record for me.

shrevemaintenance

2011-02-03 10:45 PM

in reply to: #3336953

Regular

Goleta / Santa Barbara

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

I have experienced only 2 earthquakes in my life that were of any size. That means I actually felt them. When you live here, you forget about them. Everything here is built to handle them just like your houses are build to handle snow. If it snowed here, our roofs would collapse under the weight. Earthquakes are no big deal. Plus we have no Hurricanes, Tornadoes or Blizzards. Actually, the worst problem we have is Forest Fires. We were hit with 4 huge fires in 2 years. These were 1000's of acres burned up. That is scary I will tell you. Nothing like it that I know of. Especially when the power goes out and you can see the eerie glow from the fires. And the ash falls like snow for months after the fires are out. Actually, now that I think of it. Snow isn't so bad. We lost 200 plus homes in Santa Barabara last year.

2011-02-04 8:06 AM

in reply to: #3338356

Elite

3515

Romeoville, Il

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

gadgetlaw - 2011-02-03 8:16 PM

Well, my swimming plans for February are already in jeopardy. I got up early this morning to head to the pool. Imagine my surprise, the pool is closed until next week! It usually closes for a week each year for cleaning/maintenance, but that has always been in May. So, I came back home and hopped on the trainer for 45 minutes. At least I got a workout in today - had a meeting after work and just got home.

Brian - are you dug out yet?

Sheree - I feel your frustration with swimming. I am the type who could swim all day, but everybody and their grandmother can swim past me like I have bricks on my feet! I enjoy swimming, but it is does get disheartening to always be one of the last out of the water. But the only thing I can say is keep at it! It will get better. I have made some improvements when I spend consistent time in the pool.

Erin - I am sorry you are experiencing so much pain! I am not sure what else I can add. Finding a good doctor, whether it be an MD, DO, chiropractor, acupuncturist, whatever, that you trust and that listens to your your concerns is so hard. I agree, sometimes I think it is easier for a doctor to just say don't run than try to find a solution for your problem. I don't know how many times I have heard that! I am still running, pain free right now, and am training for my first HM in May! Don't give up hope! Have you considered your diet? Sometimes different foods can have weird side effects?

Happy Training
Karen

I'm out!!

ended up clearing the street myself later in the afternoon for me and all my neighbors.

2011-02-04 8:08 AM

in reply to: #3338490

Elite

3515

Romeoville, Il

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

shrevemaintenance - 2011-02-03 10:38 PM

Brian, I use a nose clip. Have you tried that? It really helps my breath. I never get any water up my nose even during the kick flips. I used to try and swim without it. What a difference it made. Never got any sinus infections. As for the swimming. I don't try and be fast. I try and be long. I wait until the last second to pull which causes me to glide a bit further with every stroke. I can make it across a 25 yard pool in 20 strokes. When I started and was trying to go faster it took 25+ strokes to get accross. I made it 2000 yards today. Thats a record for me.

I have one but haven't used it yet. To be honest, with my sinus problems it's hard to wear one. Try squeezing your nose when it's all snotty!!

LOL

Great job on the swimming! Now, only do distance like that once a week. Break up the other workouts into intervals and watch the long swims get faster!

2011-02-04 8:23 AM

in reply to: #3338351

Veteran

220

Pittsburgh, PA

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

mcommend - 2011-02-03 9:13 PM My friend gave me a trainer to use, so I was finally able to "ride" my new bike! Since this is now the centerpiece in our family/living room, I suspect that I will be putting a lot of time in the saddle. This is definitely better than nothing!

Do you know how difficult this is to watch? It's like someone is sitting infront of me and eating chocolate and taunting me with it. I did try and get up on it (lol), but it's waaaay too big for me and my legs won't reach. "What are you doing? It's not a jungle gym!!!" said Michael. It's like mounting a giant horse. Oh well, I'll keep dreaming of a bike and a pair of newtons and arm warmers and wearing shorts to run in and the beach and....

2011-02-04 8:43 AM

in reply to: #3338785

Elite

3515

Romeoville, Il

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

libramom - 2011-02-04 8:23 AM

lol....

put your bike on it!. Ours is in the living room too.

I swap 3 bikes in out of there all the time.

2011-02-04 8:46 AM

in reply to: #3338819

Veteran

220

Pittsburgh, PA

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

Meulen - 2011-02-04 9:43 AM

libramom - 2011-02-04 8:23 AM

lol.... put your bike on it!. Ours is in the living room too.

I swap 3 bikes in out of there all the time.

HA! like that will ever happen. since he can't really run anymore with shin splints he'll be on there every second we're home.

2011-02-04 8:50 AM

in reply to: #3338832

Elite

3515

Romeoville, Il

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

libramom - 2011-02-04 8:46 AM

Meulen - 2011-02-04 9:43 AM

libramom - 2011-02-04 8:23 AM

lol.... put your bike on it!. Ours is in the living room too.

I swap 3 bikes in out of there all the time.

HA! like that will ever happen. since he can't really run anymore with shin splints he'll be on there every second we're home.

It takes too much time to make excuses....make it happen!!!!

mcommend

2011-02-04 8:55 AM

in reply to: #3338785

Veteran

283

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

While you are dreaming of those things, can you also dream about winning the lottery....

2011-02-04 9:15 AM

in reply to: #3338862

Elite

3515

Romeoville, Il

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

mcommend - 2011-02-04 8:55 AM

While you are dreaming of those things, can you also dream about winning the lottery....

Yeah, forget this workin' for a living. That's the ticket!!

2011-02-04 9:59 AM

in reply to: #3338862

Veteran

220

Pittsburgh, PA

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

mcommend - 2011-02-04 9:55 AM While you are dreaming of those things, can you also dream about winning the lottery....

what kind of fun are you? shatter my dreams, why don't you?!

QueerDrummer

2011-02-04 10:21 AM

in reply to: #3338297

Veteran

318

Minneapolis

Subject: RE: Meulen's 'Let's tri this Thing!' beginner mentor group-CLOSED

libramom - 2011-02-03 7:23 PM thanks so much for your suggestions, Henry. Having a support like this is really important to me! I did see a Naturopathic doctor when I lived in Charlotte, NC. The problem is that it's all out-of-pocket and pretty costly. I'll keep looking around! Have fun in Mexico!!!!!!

Out of pocket sucks.

I totally understand. I solicited advice from my running friends and the following is what I received from 2 of them. The first is my partner who is in nursing school and the 2nd is my best friend who is in her final year of Vet School. Obviously neither of them is a "professional" yet, but they are both runners and the woman in vet school has run several marathons. They are both smart and regardless of the actions I end up taking, I listen to them both with a lot of confidence.

So for what it's worth, I'm passing their thoughts on to you:

Chris February 3 at 8:40pm
Hmmm. That's a doozie. It makes sense that the Dr. would suspect an issue with blood vessels because when you run, your body constricts the blood vessels to your digestive system to use the majority of the blood elsewhere. An MRA is basically a picture of your blood vessels, so hopefully that'll help.

I'm not sure if a sports medicine clinic would be able to address gastric pain as a result of running or not. When I think of sports medicine, I usually only think of muscles/tendons/ligaments, etc. and not how movement affects other systems. Asking couldn't hurt & I think you're right on in getting a second opinion, though she may want to wait to see the results of her MRA and what treatments that Dr. suggests.

Mary February 3 at 9:48pm
I can't say that I've ever heard of an issue like this. I would suggest that she continue with her current doc and see things through - at least to get the MRA results and suggestions. While getting a second opinion can be a good idea - too many people jump to another doctor too fast. The diagnostic process can take time, especially with unusual problems like this. Medicine isn't easy and diagnoses don't just appear. There is a very logical progression to the diagnostic process. Pretty much every doctor I know tells stories about clients who love them because they came up with a diagnosis when the previous doctor didn't. But the only reason they got the diagnosis was because they stuck with the original doctor's plan and followed up with the next logical steps. If she has only had one appointment with this doc - she should stick it out. She may need endoscopy, colonoscopy and/or biopsy to really evaluate her GI. I doubt her doc could rule everything out in a single appointment.

If the doc doesn't come up with anything or doesn't have any further suggestions - yes, get a second opinion. But as long as the doc has a plan and is working towards a diagnosis - it might be worth seeing it through. This is, of course, as long as she feels comfortable with the doc etc.

As far as sports medicine - I honestly don't know much about it. I think it would be worth looking into. Sports can put a pretty high demand on the body metabolically as well as structurally. It's possible they might have some ideas. But if she's working with a GI specialist right now - she should really see it through.

If her pain is that exteme - I would agree that she should stop running. While pain can become a disease in itself - for the most part it is an indication of a problem. My recommendation for her is to pursue it as much as possible to see if you can figure out what is wrong. From there they can determine whether she can run a marathon. I would say she should stop running for now.

As far as holistic remedies go: I would be hesitant again. Her pain sounds really severe and prolonged. This is NOT normal. Holistic medicine can do good things - but a lot of it is palliative and symptomatic care. Unless it is an underlying nutritional imbalance or something - holistic medicine is unlikely to solve the actual problem. Now, if they don't find a diagnosis and she is dealing with chronic pain - then holistic medicine can be very beneficial.

Obviously take this with a grain of salt since the veterinary world is not the same as human medicine. But the diagnostic process is the same (human medicine just has more resources). It takes time. Don't expect answers immediately.