Hi guys, it’s quite a while since I posted. About two weeks ago, I had a devastating experience where, towards the end of a 5k plus run, I experienced sharps cramps, followed by diarrhoea. A few days prior to that, I started to experience the need to go to the loo after about 3-4K. Since then, I haven’t had diarrhoea, but I experience the same urgency, accompanied by sweating, and slight nausea, while I struggle to get home.
This is really upsetting for me, as I have been successfully increasing my frequency of running and distance. I had exceeded 7k on three occasions. I am now really terrified to run in company, in case I get caught short again. This defeats the object for me, as I am so happy with my running club. The social side is as important as running.
Does anyone have a similar experience, or words of wisdom and advice for me?
#desperatelyworriedandunhappy
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MuddledGardener
Graduate10
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Hi! So sorry to see you having this trouble!! Unfortunately it is quite common among runners and many of us have been caught out in a fairly similar way, me included! As you speak of diarrhoea and pain, and you say this has happened a few times, I do wonder if you may have an underlying condition that would be worth checking with a doctor?
But it is the case that the action of running can cause even the most "normal" bowel to move inconveniently. It is well worth looking into your diet, the timing of your bowel movements, and your runs, to try and figure out the best way to make things work for you. Ideally you would want to empty your bowels before you go for a run.
I agree with both AlMorr - speak to doctor, and roseabi check your diet and bowel movements. You may also now be subconsciously making yourself feel the need. Is it possible to find a short circuit route near your home where you can be sure to reach a loo quickly if needed but at the same time know you can do another loop if all is well. I know personally I’ve had a few uncomfortable 10k runs when the need has appeared at about 4K but I’ve learnt to relax and always made it to the end without a problem. Speak to doc then relax. Hope you get sorted and onto more happy running 🤗
I had to do that on Tuesday, but I started to sweat and felt sick. Thankfully, my running mate , who thought I was just tired, suggested walking the last half km, which was great, as the discomfort and urgency started to go, but the loo was my first port of call after I said goodbye to him! 😳
Just checked your profile, same age as me. I’ve found I can blame menopause temperature control problems for a lot of issues when running. I find the cooler I can keep myself the better. Have been known to run in frost wearing shorts, T-shirt and thermal gloves. Just back from wet 4deg run in said shorts, T-shirt and very thin, 1 layer jacket.
Believe me, I know all about the delights of menopause! It took me ages to get my old (male) GP to acknowledge I had an issue, until he FINALLY agreed to a blood test!
Sorry, I wasn’t meaning to undermine anything you’ve been through, trying to treat menopause with humour rather than collapsing in a sweaty snivelling state. When will gps start taking this seriously, before I moved house this year my go was female and same age as me - useless. She was obviously one of the lucky ones who sail through this stage.
Don’t worry, I didn’t take it like that at all! 😊 Even in this day and age, some doctors still don’t seem to be able to listen to their patients and hear what it is they are really saying!
Hi, I've had similar issues but maybe not as severe. May sound crazy but I've 'retrained' to get up slightly earlier, get the system moving. I don't run in the morning unless I've had an 'effective' movement. I live and run in a (very!) rural environment and I admit to carrying tissue and an extra doggy poo bag, in my arm pouch, just in case - which helps, mentally too! I also agree with other members' posts: track what's happening for a few days, record your findings, then call your GP. Are there any identifiable repeat factors - diet, sleep, anxiety (other than understandable embarrassment!), time of day, getting caught any other times? Don't put this off - follow it up and sort it - so you can relax into your running again. All best 👍
Hi, I agree with those that say check with your GP as a precaution. If this only happens when you're running it is probably runners diarrhoea which is a recognised ' thing' and there's lots of advice on line plus people have posted about this before. The other thing with my nursing head on is that anxiety about the fact that it may happen can cause your bowels to actually loosen or make you feel like they are going to. Avoiding running reinforces that anxiety. Use some of the strategies others have suggested and try distraction techniques, maybe a podcast or audio book...best wishes.
That must be such a worry for you Muddledgardener- and anxiety will make it worse. If it's happening on non-running days you definitely should get it investigated sooner rather than later.
If it's just on running days you may need to run after you've 'been' and before you eat again. Anxiety about being caught out and the shaking of your body as you run is probably the cause.
If that's the case you're going to need to control the worry as well as picking the best time to run. Not easy but still possible.
Thank you! It’s only on run days, and it doesn’t matter if I’ve been to the loo or not, eaten or not! 🙄 I shall just have to carry a sack load of poo bags around with me, and hope for the some convenient bushes! 😁
My first episode was during a night run, subsequent discomfort occurred during morning runs! I will follow your advice and take a poo bag! I always have tissues, as my nose likes to join in when I run! 😁
I am also a nurse (retired), and know the huge effect the mind has on the guts. However, I do have past history of gut trouble, and I think things started when I increased my frequency of running and distance. I only had diarrhoea the first time, but have cramps and urgency every other time. Spoke to GP yesterday, and I have to wait two weeks for a blood test. 🙄 I had to wait two weeks to get a telephone consultation with him, so nothing will get sorted this side of Christmas. He did tell me to use Imodium before a run, though, after I insisted I would carry on running. ☺️
I’ve only just seen this Muddled Gardener. First of all, welcome back - it’s good to have you with us again! I can’t help you with your problem I’m afraid, other than to say that the one thing worry about is whether I can do my run without needing to find a bush (not easy on a city seafront!), particularly on the few longer runs I’ve done. But cramps and diarrhoea are a different thing altogether and my advice would be to consult a doctor as a start. Good luck and let us know how you get on!
Thank you for the welcome! 😀 It’s nice to be back! The situation is now being investigated, so I will report back when I have something to say!
Well done on your running. I see you are now at the 10K mark. Fabulous! The furthest I’ve managed is just over 7k. But I have been increasing my frequency as well as distance, and I think this is probably what has set things off. My GP suggested Imodium before a run, so I’ve stocked up on that! I’m running this evening, so I’ll let you know how it goes! 😁
I cannot thank you enough for posting this. It seemed every time I ran I needed to go to the loo. It made me quite anxious to go out. I now realise that this is not that unusual. I have changed the time I run and when I eat just to ensure I don’t get caught out. I still often have very loose stools on my return but it is only on days I run so have stopped worrying.
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It was going so well! 
First official real event
Apparently inclusivity only goes so far...
Well I think I may be hooked!!!
A successful \"warm\" run
