running marathon w/ ibuprofen or asprin

I usually take tylenol right before a marathon or half, don't think taking it during would be any different.

I don't get it. Why would you take Tylenol before a marathon? Is it to reduce pain because I don't think it would be that effective. It cannot be for an anti-inflammatory effect because actetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory. As to taking aspirin during a race, I imagine it would cause stomach problems.

lohalloran wrote:

I usually take tylenol right before a marathon or half, don't think taking it during would be any different.

I agree, Tylenol is probably the worst to take, especially right before a race. Ibuprofen would most likely be the best choice, however due to the anti-inflammatory ingredients it will most likely stimulate your muscles to feel dull and tired to some degree. The only reason I would take any medication before or during a race, is if I had a headache. Body aches will be phased down during your run, or race. Get some DMSO

Dr. Pain wrote:

I agree, Tylenol is probably the worst to take, especially right before a race. Ibuprofen would most likely be the best choice, however due to the anti-inflammatory ingredients it will most likely stimulate your muscles to feel dull and tired to some degree. The only reason I would take any medication before or during a race, is if I had a headache. Body aches will be phased down during your run, or race. Get some DMSO

Thank you. I think I need some clarification. Are saying that taking ibuprofen before (or during) a marathon will make my legs feel dull and tired, so I should put DMSO on my legs before the race? This doesn’t sound right to me.

Personally I think it does help a bit with the aches that come up durign the race. I mean it is a pain reliever right? Why wouldn't it work? I don't take anti inflammatories because of the stomach issue thing.

I know a sub 2:25 guy who swears by Aleve (Naproxen - NSAID) the morning of a marathon - no stomach issues either. Claims it prevents muscle cramping late in the race - I believe there may be some dehydration issues associated with NSAID's though - better check that.

I also have used Aleve before half-marathons when I had some minor achilles problems. In addition to being a good anti-inflammatory for me, I find that it also causes me retain an extra 1-2lbs of fluid if I start taking it 36-48hrs before a race. The extra fluid retention does seem to help me with late race cramping/dehydration issues.

I took it the first time to relieve some knee pain before a marathon and it worked really well, no stomach problems. I have had problems with Advil before long runs though so I guess it really depends on the person.