Getting “moving” in more ways than one

[MarciePower]

Does anybody else find that running has a stimulative effect on the bowel? Hope it’s not just me - that’s why I’m throwing my poo into the conversation - but at the end of every run I always need the loo!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Hmm MarciePower, no one has commented about that, so I'll be brave enough to say what I think may cause this, there was a lady just last week who had the same problem, but she "had to go" just after she started running, the advice was to go to the loo before she started her run, so it's not just you. Don't eat too much before you run and wait for at least 1 hour after you eat anything, that anything should not be much so no problems will arise.

[Gran4z Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Intriguing, interesting conversation. I think the action of running stimulates the whole of the body, including the gut and its' activity, which has to be good 😀!

[MarciePower Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Maybe, although I only eat a handful of grapes or other fruit before I start out, I am wrong to so so and should just run on an empty stomach. I was just concerned about needing energy for the run, but maybe I don't?

[Nicsywicsy]

Me too! Sure my pelvic floor is heading south too 😂

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Yes, don't worry, it's quite normal :D, this is a known result of the running action stimulating the bowel. If you look through the forum you will find plenty of posts on it, and if you Google (other search engines are available) runners' GI issues or runners' trots etc. you will find loads of info!

Personally, I won't leave the house until 'regular daily health' has occurred (as my old hygiene teacher used to refer to it ) because on the very few occasions when I try I am caught short and have to either dash into a loo or - horror! - hop over a wall and hide I don't mind having to have a wild wee as much, but pooing in a hedge is horrific!

Some people will take loperamide before a race just in case.

[MarciePower Graduate]

Wow so it really is a Thing! This must mean I am a proper runner now! Thanks for the helpful advice!

[Deals1 Graduate]

Mmmm…… had the same problem this morning! so just been searching for posts on the topic. I needed to go 1/2 way (no public loos) and really struggled with my jog, almost just gave up. I guess maybe I need to train my body for morning runs, although I've done a few and this is the first time its happened..

[MarciePower Graduate]

It is an intermittent problem, something to manage really, by regulating when you eat and when you run. I run best on an empty stomach, but I do run first thing in the morning.