I just wanted to post a quick note for all those who wonder if exercise is possible or if you can do distance/endurance events with a J-pouch. Last weekend I finished the Marine Corps Marathon. I had injured my knee three weeks before, so my time was not what I had been hoping for, but nonetheless, I finished in 5:44! I had not been a runner for long (I started a year and a half ago), so it can be done...
I rarely notice a lot of changes due to my j-pouch, other than our other than "normal" stools with more frequency (I typically go "a lot" but I've stopped counting as it doesn't impact my day to day life), and didn't do anything really special in terms of hydration or nutrition. I did drink at every water stop (every 2 miles of the 26.2) and had the usual complement of food that you bring on one of these races (ie, energy jelly beans instead of gu, energy bar, etc. and was very thankful for all the spectators who had little candies and the Marines on the course who had donuts at mile 23
). I went to the bathroom before the race and didn't go again until about 3 hours after when I finally got home.I realize this experience may not be the same for all, but for those wondering if it is possible, I want to say "definitely yes". I started with a couch-to-5k program, 11 months later ran a half marathon as part of team challenge and 6 months after that ran a full 26.2 mile marathon! You can do it! Good luck to all!
