Upset tummy problems on rides???

[Jiffer]

Okay, so I'm curious what your thoughts are on why I'm all of a sudden having tummy problems when I ride. My last three, to be specific. I did start trying a new soy based energy drink (can't think of the name) ... FOUR rides ago. I was fine on that ride. The next ride I had problems, especially when I really pushed myself hard, like going up a hill. Dh and I thought it was the dinner we had the night before, because he had a little bit of the same problem on his run. But two days later, another ride, same problems. I decided to stop using that drink in case that was it. Today, two days later again, I did a club ride with my old faithful drink. Still had a problem and cut my ride really short.

I am fine when I push moderately hard and can still get a decent average pace. I'll feel a little something in my tummy, but it doesn't really hinder me. It's when I push hard, for sure on hills, that I just have to slow down and take it easy.

In between rides my tummy feels just a "teeny" bit unsettled, so I'm wondering if it's just a bug of some sort that is mild enough that it only bothers me when I exert myself hard. And, therefore, I associate it with riding.

However, I also wonder if, since I HAVE been getting stronger and riding faster lately, when I push myself hard ... maybe it's harder than I ever used to exert myself and my body is just trying to get used to it.

I always have either a half a peanut butter & jelly sandwich before a ride or a banana with peanut butter. This has been my usual pre-ride meal for a long time, so it's what my body is used to.

I'm hoping it's just a bug that will work itself out soon, but it just keeps lingering and affecting my rides!

Any thoughts you guys might have are appreciated. Thanks!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Can you describe your "tummy problems" in a bit more detail? What exactly are the symptoms?

[Momonbikemob]

From what you have shared, my guess would be either a mild stomach bug, or the extra exertion. I know when I push it harder than my body is used to, my stomach can give me trouble. One other thing to check is your stress level... Have you been under more stress lately? That's another cause of stomach trouble.
Good luck and hope you feel better!

[batsheva]

i'd bet it's the soy- can be very undigestible - does the same to me - reckon it prob only happens when you're riding harder as more blood diverted away from your gut then, so it's indigestibility is particularly pronounced at these times--

bat

[Jiffer]

Can you describe your "tummy problems" in a bit more detail? What exactly are the symptoms?

My stomach just feels queesy. Not sure how else to describe it.

[Meaux]

I get that too, when I first start riding. But it usually goes away as I go on. I'm still learning about what/how much I should eat before a ride.