Embarrassing women's problem running

[chickensrun]

Hi, I'm hoping to find out that I'm not the only one who's discovered their pelvic floor isn't as strong as I thought...?! I didn't realise running put pressure on it.

Having had a few little urine leaks I had a big one the other week, which was the first time I realised it was definitely wee.

My friend gave up couch to 5k early on because of leaking so bad, she was mortified that she'd have it so bad at such a young age(under 40) (she's had 5 kids so it's worse than me.... Pelvic floor exercises and making sure I don't drink too much right before a run have helped me so far, since).

I'm looking for support and any suggestions for us both, it's a shame she's been totally put off giving running a go again.

Thanks!

[Crittermad Graduate]

The first time i did c25k, 3 years ago, i had a similar issue - however as i got towards the longer runs it just seemed to clear up and has never been an issue since, despite stopping running and starting again - i think the running, as much as it puts pressure on your pelvic floor, must strengthen it too, as your core strengthens.

I always make a loo stop before starting a run. I also do pilates which is good for core strength.

Keep going - hopefully it will lessen as you move through the programme, meanwhile tena help and are thin enough not to be noticeable.

[nowster Graduate]

Pads might help. I'm regularly buying them in bulk for Herself.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Please read this post about hydration healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Inadequate fluid intake will make running more difficult and make you more prone to aches, pain and injury, so I recommend persevering with pelvic floor exercises. This is not solely a women's issue.

[chickensrun in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes, absolutely I know proper hydration is important...I wasn't quite clear, what I mean is that I try to make sure I drink plenty but not in one big go just before a run and that I have time to go for a wee before running

[Over60sRunner Graduate]

I am over 60 and my pelvic floor definitely isn't what it used to be. I found pelvic floor exercises to be really helpful and now I rarely have any problems unless I try to run without an empty bladder, so I always make sure to have a wee before I start - even if if I don't think I need one! I also use a slim panty liner, more for confidence than anything else, so I don't have to worry if I do have a few (or even many) drops leak out.

Hope this helps. Keep up the good work and perhaps try and encourage your friend to persevere with PFE and give it another go - even if she does each week a few times so as not to put too much pressure on herself at the beginning?

[Tasha99 Graduate]

This is a really common problem! Ok so I’m putting it out there that I have this issue particularly when I do a fast run or sprint finish. However few months back my friend told me a tip. And it works! Like REALLY works! And this is - wear a tampon during your run. Weird but it’s true 🤣 it’s a complete game changer! I wear a liner just in case. I used to avoid drinking for about 5 hours before running and now I can drink what I like! I’ve only tried super plus but I’ll experiment with lighter tampons too. Sorry everyone TMI 🤣

[chickensrun in reply to Tasha99]

Thank you so much for being honest!! We did wonder if it was more common than we knew but just not talked about easily... Fab tip too!

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to chickensrun]

Very common! Runners talk about wee and poo a lot 🤣

[Voldatort Graduate]

I use the eco washable pads just 'in case' when I started, but it's not recently been a problem, as my muscles have improved, sand I don't do high impact, just slow jogging. After 4 kids I still wouldn't trust myself on a trampoline tho !