Long runs = funny taste in mouth...what is that? (Read 2739 times)

Anyone else experience this? On my longer runs I get an odd taste in my mouth near the end of the runs. This morning I ran 16 and near the end it was really odd...the taste...hard to describe...but not pleasant...

Anyone else experience this? On my longer runs I get an odd taste in my mouth near the end of the runs. This morning I ran 16 and near the end it was really odd...the taste...hard to describe...but not pleasant...

That's definitely a new one. I even Googled around a bit to see if I could find you an answer, without success. Does this happen on *every* long run? Are you doing something different on long runs (like maybe scarfing down Gu)? Can you be a little more specific on the taste?

i get some sort of salty/gatorady taste in my last few miles (did my 16 miles on friday)...something like that maybe ???

It could be that on your long runs, your body is breaking down fats for energy and you are experiencing ketosis. Read here http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/stk151092.asp?navbar=hw7738 for more information. Perhaps carrying water with you rather than relying on fountains would be advisable. Anyway, probably not a big deal, but just my $.02. Good job on the long runs! Lynn B

Hey.. that's very interesting. Does it change if it's very hot vs very cold out? Just curious. When I do a really tough speed workout or run a 5K competitevly, I've noticed that my teeth hurt... kind of feels like lactic acid in the gums. What you describe sounds different, but perhaps related? But I don't get it on my long runs. Anyways, let us know if you figure it out...

I think there might be something to that Ketosis thing. I was admitted to the hospital a couple times during my pregnancy for severe dehydration and each time I had that bitter-y, metallic-y taste in my mouth. Are you drinking plenty of water throughout the day? You might want to up your hydration before and during your runs and see if that makes a difference. Teresa

Unless you have diabetes or are on a strict Adkins diet, this is not likely ketosis.

I'd have to agree. I did pretty strict Atkins for several years and had great success with it (backroadrunner will attest to this), but since I started running I had to increase my carbs to "maintenance" levels or even a bit higher. As my long runs got progressively longer I had a few bonking episodes that I think were in part to learning what my minimum carb intake needed to be. I was generally in the range of 50-100 net/day for a while (mainly from fruit and veggie sources), which was adequate for 5 or fewer miles, but for longer runs I had to get more whole grains in. This Winter I will likely have to start watching my carbs closer, again, as I am struggling with my weight due to flaky blood sugar issues and wanting to eat everything in sight. Finding that happy level of carbs can be tricky for diabetics and hypoglycemics, alike. But I do think if you were in ketosis that you'd not be able to do a longer run without some major bonking issues. k

Unless you have diabetes or are on a strict Adkins diet, this is not likely ketosis.

Maybe so, you guys are a lot smarter than me on this stuff. I followed a diet once called Protien Power that focused on low carbs and lot's of protien and non-sugared drinks (read water). The ketosis was noticable, just as you point out. Since then, I have noticed the same side-affect when I load up on water and/or have a protien-heavy series of meals. I have assumed it was the same cause, perhaps I am wrong...my diet is nowhere near what someone would call normal. Is it a bad assumption to think that long, strenuous workouts are "fat-burning"??? I am probably just trying to make a logic leap that just isn't there. Lynn B