If you’d told me a couple of years ago that I’d be talking about running two marathons after ileostomy surgery, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Not because I didn’t want to but because I wasn’t sure if I still could.
In April this year, I ran two marathons within just two weeks of each other. I learned a lot about listening to my body, building confidence again, and how much difference it makes when you genuinely trust your stoma care.
I wanted to share my experience in case it helps anyone else who’s wondering what’s possible.
Why a marathon?
Running has been my thing for about ten years. It’s my head‑clearing time and my happy place. I’d already run marathons with a colostomy, but after having ileostomy surgery in April 2024, this felt like a new challenge. I signed up because I just needed to know that I could still do it.
That’s why I chose the Boston Marathon UK in Lincolnshire. It’s famously flat and I had a plan – one final marathon, a great time, job done. That’s not how it went…
Training after ileostomy surgery
Running long distances after having ileostomy surgery had a learning curve. The biggest change for me was hydration.
I struggled with hydration at first. Long runs took more planning, and I had to slow down while I worked out what worked for my body. That meant trial and error with fluids, electrolytes and energy gels. There were tough moments. In one training run I hit a wall at mile 14 out of 16 and had to walk home, and that definitely plays on your mind.
I kept adjusting and learning and that’s something I’d really want other people to hear – needing to adapt is part of the process and that’s okay. I’ve now learned that gradual fluid intake and increasing fluid intake in the build up to a long run works for me, and I’ve found which electrolytes and gels best suit my needs.
Race day reality – Boston
On marathon day, the first half felt deceptively easy. The wind was behind us, and I remember thinking, this isn’t going to last.
The second half was really tough going straight into a strong headwind. I ended up walking more than I planned and finished in 4 hours 56 minutes. It wasn’t the time I’d hoped for but I was pleased to get sub-5 hours considering how much I’d walked.
During the race my stoma bag didn’t even cross my mind, I’ve got such complete faith in the Aura Plus bag. There’s never even a hint of a leak and it’s completely comfortable. It gives you so much confidence and freedom knowing your bag isn’t going to stop you from doing anything.
Running another marathon – Shakespeare
I had planned for the Boston marathon to be my last, but when chatting to my friends at running club they encouraged me to go again. They reminded me I was marathon fit and gave me that boost to go out after being a bit disappointed in the Boston one.
Two weeks later, I was on the start line of the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford‑upon‑Avon.
The atmosphere was brilliant, the crowds were amazing, and despite the heat, it felt like a completely different experience. I crossed the finish line in 4 hours 42 minutes – my personal best.
Confidence that comes from a strong core
The Breathing and Movements programme has given me the confidence to try different things. It’s really strengthened my core and that helps massively with everyday life – lifting shopping, flipping the mattress, moving without fear.
You might not notice it straight away but after you look back you realise how much more you can do, and how far you’ve come.
The next challenge I’m going to take on is an ATHX Games, a big fitness challenge which is completely new movements. I’m feeling very, very weedy in my upper body strength but we’ll get there!
My advice
If you’re living with a stoma and wondering about whether you can get back to exercise, or trying something new, my advice is simple.
Just start where you can start and take it simple. You’d probably surprise yourself with how much you can do.