Runners Tummy

[Tigerbel]

How do I prevent runners tummy? I get to near the end of run and feel the need to go to the toilet 💩. Is there something I can take to prevent this?

[doggytail Graduate]

I also get runners tummy so would love to know the answer. I have noticed if I run in the evening I'm ok but I di like to run in the morning...hey ho

[Hidden]

A very common problem I'm afraid- Just think of Paula Radcliffe's famous moment

I get this all the time to the extent that I don't go out until after my morning ablutions. I know that some people take imodium before races, but I wouldn't want to that too regularly. I have done a couple of times when I have a special run planned.

There are foods to avoid the previous day- but that seems a bit of a faff to me. My main tip is to have a cup of strong coffee before a planned run as caffeine gets things moving. I have been known to plan a circular run, with a pit stop at home mid way to call in at the bathroom.

Runners sometimes carry poobags and wipes- just in case. Good luck!

[Tigerbel in reply to Hidden]

Ha ha, that's a good idea. Just run to the nearest bush

[Hidden in reply to Tigerbel]

Probably only for running in remote spots!!

[Frenc Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Can’t beat a strong cup of coffee ☕️!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

healthline.com/health/runne...

[Tigerbel in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for this. Read some of it - very useful + very informative. Cheers

[Roxdog Graduate]

I get this very occasionally, particularly on long runs (I've been running over 2 years). However, I run in the early morning after a cup of coffee and water and just a bite of banana. The trick is to make sure you use the loo before the run! It tends to work, although I sometimes still get the odd tummy cramps after the run.I think the advice in the link is all good too!

[Tigerbel in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you. I don't drink coffee - would tea work?Read a bit of link, very informative

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Tigerbel]

Oh I used to be more of a tea drinker, but the tanin in the morning I fund unpleasantthese days. The coffee sort of gets things moving!

[mrrun Graduate]

Although nothing in life is bullet proof, this issue can be minimised by the right diet that your stomach tolerates during longer runs. How to figure it out? Experiment. Once I got mine sorted, I haven't changed my pre-run food and during the run hydration in over 3 years. Even then, an excess glass of wine the night before or a humble stomach bug on the day can still wreak havoc.

[Tigerbel in reply to mrrun]

Yes, I think you are spot on. You wouldn't put crap in your car + expect it still to run. I have a fairly balanced diet but it definitely needs fine-tuned.

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Tigerbel]

I have always eaten healthy but mistakes will happen. A new ingredient in your favourite dish can upset you, as running is a process where your body is literally shaken up. I am now more focused on calories and type of food rather than flavours. The longer the run, the more bland my pre-run food. Works for me.

[Hidden in reply to mrrun]

Good advice However..

REALLY ???

Surely life is too short to eat bland food and avoid an unplanned glass of red wine…

mrrun you disappoint me 😕

[mrrun Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Pre-run, Helen, pre-run only. I emphasise ‘pre-run’. The rest of it is full on flavour. I emphasise ‘full on’. 😉

[nowster Graduate]

I've had the occasional "urgency" mid-run which has necessitated a detour into the corner of a field. It has usually coincided with a general tummy problem.

Caffeine can speed the gut, which can be useful if you take a coffee sufficiently early for its effects to kick in at the right time. "Energy" drinks often contain lots of caffeine. You're best avoiding them close to or during a run.

[Maz1103 Graduate]

I just never run before I've used the bathroom...simple!!. I do find a pint of strong sugar free cordial is excellent (sorbitol) !

[nowster Graduate in reply to Maz1103]

Eeek! You pretty much have taken a laxative there!

[Beccym Graduate]

Are you running distance? I find gels agitate it.

[MrsLydiaWickham Graduate]

Hi Tigerbel , thanks for talking about this subject. It's a real problem for sure. People who dont suffer with it, may be tempted to wonder why can't you just grit your teeth and 'hold it' until you get home? You can't. The urge becomes uncontrollable with unpleasant results. Like mrrun I have to stick to my rules the night before a run. It nearly stopped my progress with C25K until I figured it out. It didn't afflict me in my youth but it does now, in my 50s. Hope you can get it sorted. 👍