Runners Bowel

[Pgl10car]

Hi can anyone help. I have developed a very embarrassing problem as I have lost a lot of weight and my running has increased. RUNNERS BOWL! I eat extremely healthily and wonder if this may be my problem. On run days which is probably 5 of 7 if I run in the morning I am ok. If I run in the evening I struggle to eat when I get home due to lateness so have something about 2hours before my run. Usually porridge or rice. Oh boy am I getting into situations I definitely would like to avoid. Any tips or advise welcome.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

active.com/running/articles...

Quite a bit of useful info here...I am sure other folk may have ideas too... not an issue I have although I did have to do my first wild wee in three years of running a few weeks back! It was quite exciting.. field full of cows and daffodils!

I think Imodium may be the answer!

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Hehe - I learn so much from this forum - a while ago I learned what a “snot rocket” was and now a “wild wee” 😆. I shall pass on my new found knowledge to my kids and grandkids!!

[Jonno34 Graduate10]

I would try to avoid imodium to be honest should only be used as an emergency. Firstly look at your diet, I would have thought rice would "slow you down! but I may be wrong but maybe try something more protein based. Are you sure you don't have an underlying issue? Maybe have a chat with a professional, doctor or dietitian. Possibly try and get into a toilet habit so you pick the time rather than the time picking you.

Not much help just a couple of things to think about!

[Millsie-J]

I think you need to work you food intake around ensuring you have time to go to the loo before you run. I would have this exact issue if I eat two hours before. Maybe coffee an hour after eating or something similar.

[Coddfish Graduate10]

When you run your body makes adrenaline, which can loosen your bowels. When you are anxious the same can happen. So it’s probably a case of knowing how your body reacts, eating at the right time, having enough time if necessary for multiple loo trips before you go out, and researching runs which allow for toilet stops.

[Jell6 Graduate10]

Have you intentionally lost a lot of weight?

I will echo Jonno, and suggest a chat with your GP.

[Pgl10car]

Thanks everyone for you comments. I have lost weight through healthy eating and running. At almost 4stobe lighter I am learning to cope with this new body and it’s draw backs.

[grumpyoldgirl]

Hi Pg, I'm just reading a book on IBS; processed carbs and fat slow down the digestive system, so if you've cut them down, it could be your body is making a major adjustment to your new diet, and this is the unfortunate result. So you could well be right. Especially if you've also upped your intake of fruits etc. I would also suggest a dietitian if things don't settle down. You may need some help finding the right balance. Your GP may be able to refer you.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

I went through a phase like this but now my body is more used to what I'm doing it usually knows it had better "go" before I head out the door. Anxiety about the situation only makes it worse so yes, in the short term think of all possible loo stop options on your routes to put your mind at ease.

I usually run at least a couple of hours after eating. If I'm running in the evening I don't eat anything specific before, maybe just a snack bar and then eat properly after.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Oh and having moved to a plant based diet; veg, fruit and fibre have all increased dramatically but almost 6 months in everything has settled down to a very stable "routine" 🤣

[Rebounder in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I have just come through a spate of this. Anxiety definitely makes the whole thing worse, but of course it’s impossible not to be anxious! I found my problem was due to not drinking enough water, especially the day before. Since upping my water intake I’ve had no embarrassing sessions creeping around fields and hedges. Good luck!

[Beccym Graduate10]

I think it is a case of trail and error. After my two official half's I got a terribly bad stomach. Even though I had run the distance in training. I think it was eating the goodies in the goody bag and necking the water to fast at the end of the run. So this year I had a sip of water and ate something a bit later.

I like you find I have to eat a couple of hours before a run porridge with fruit and honey.