Preparing for a marathon whilst suffering from intolerances
Last Updated: 12th January 2023 · Written by Donna Mastriani
‘Lifelab Testing’ have been following Chris’ story ever since he came to us and told us that he wanted to be healthier in himself. He believed he was suffering from food allergies and intolerances which were stopping him from becoming a runner. Gluten intolerance is one of the things he had identified.
Chris has participated in the London half marathon this year, as well as some 10K runs and events across Derbyshire. He felt that his intolerances and allergies were holding him back.
Chris took a complete intolerance test, as well as a basic allergy test, as he wanted to be in full fitness. Take a read below of how Chris utilised his Lifelab Testing results to complete his running goals, and become a lot happier and healthier.
‘So, how have I ended up running in three long-distance races this year, having never really done one before? Well, I now feel like I am at the peak of my fitness. I have always been a keen runner, but lethargy and a bloated stomach have always let me down.
I’ve been running for a while in the gym and around my local village, and I did find it quite fun. I sometimes do it with my friends but often on my own. I always felt though that there was something holding me back, and I believed it was gluten intolerance. I timed myself a few times and could feel myself improving, but not in the way that you would expect when I was training so hard.
Despite enjoying my runs, I felt fatigued beforehand and had to use up all my effort and energy into becoming the best and going on a run. I was encouraged but I needed more. I needed to take a food intolerance test to see if I was suffering from gluten intolerance, as my intolerance symptoms kept cropping up every time I ate.
I did my research (a quick type in google) and Lifelab Testing was the most appealing intolerance test I could find. There were others I considered but Lifelab was for me. I ordered my test from Lifelab Testing and the package actually arrived the following day, I was shocked.
In trying to complete the test, I had to find the help of my partner, but this was not too bad and is expected. It was pain-free but I wanted to make sure my vile was perfect. It is so important to identify a gluten intolerance, and I was determined to get it right.
I couldn’t believe how easy the intolerance test was to do! I thought this was easy, and so I went online and purchased a Basic allergy test as well. I would receive my results within 5-7 days, which was completely fine although I wanted to get running immediately. Even sending off my sample gave me the boost I needed.
Low and behold, when my results arrived, I was right! Gluten was one of the main intolerances listed, and it all fit! I spoke to one of the nutritional therapists on offer, and I cut gluten out of my diet completely. I lost a load of weight and actually felt more motivated than ever.
Since taking the intolerance test, I have signed up for three more races because I now feel confident that I can. I chat to all of my friends about it and have encouraged them to start running. I also advised my lazy friends (a few) that they needed to see what they were intolerant to. Those who hated getting up for work are now feeling a lot better!’
The Complete Intolerance test is exactly what I needed to be happier. I will go into more detail about my Allergy test one day, but for now, gluten intolerance is not holding me back, thanks to Lifelab Testing. I cannot speak highly enough of the Lifelab team!