First HM soon - how to overcome the laxative effect of running?

[Langley-Loper]

Oh dear, my mind, lungs and legs may be willing but my bowels are weak.

A few weeks ago I had my first running "accident". I now seem incapable of running without needing an emergency pit stop, even if I have evacuated before heading out. Last week I had to dive into the woods and emerged with my legs the worse for a bramble and nettle attack. I have also dashed into a pub and had to stop and walk when no facilities or undergrowth are available. I have not changed my diet or regular meds. It happens regardless of whether I ate one or several hours before.

Do I resign myself to taking a precautionary Imodium half an hour before every run? Does anyone else suffer this bad? Anything else I can do? It is becoming a real distraction on every run, wondering "when" rather than "if".

[Rignold]

I would suggest going light on the fibre the day before. And yes, for race day I would go with immodium for peace of mind. I wouldn't advise it as a regular (hah! no pun intended) measure, but you don't want that worry during a race (plus in my experience mid race toilet facilities range from grim to sparse to non existent.)

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Yes, I'm afraid it's very common The movement of running tends to stimulate the movement of bowels. I tend to train where I can find a loo, avoid fibre, beer, and chilli in the couple of days leading up to a race, and have Imodium the night before and again in the morning!

[C3PO Marathon]

How long has it been this bad? I tend to find it worse for a period of 3-4 weeks in a build-up period, and then it gets much better. Will there be toilets available en route? Otherwise, I hear that lots of people take Immodium. I wouldn't, but I'm in a good bowel period right now.

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon in reply to C3PO]

It has been getting worse as the run length increases. I plan routes through woods or loops going near home every couple of miles.

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon]

I've had this periodically too which I can't attribute to any change in diet etc. Drinking coffee and having a small snack half an hour or so before a run usually 'moves things along' so I can 'go' pre-run. If not, I've planned runs where I make a toilet stop after a couple of miles.

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon in reply to Hillrunner2201]

Coffee I.e. caffeine triggers me too but even after a movement I will still need to go again mid run unless I use Imodium.

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Have you tried running at different times of the day? I had a friend like this and she could never run in the morning for this reason.

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon in reply to ju-ju-]

Morning, noon, afternoon or evening can all be messy for me. Early mornings are worst even if I manage a post breakfast evacuation. I can't face running without a small breakfast inside me as my migraine drugs make me so drowsy first thing. I need some food and a mint tea to get me going!

[ju-ju- Marathon in reply to Langley-Loper]

hmmm thats not great... perhaps drugs and extra padding is the way to go. That must be really horrible for you....

[ancientrunner Half Marathon]

I'd take the Imodium. Will always remember a race last year where one poor lady had an accident and it was very visible to all. I think I would have taken my top off and tied it round my waist. I did feel for her we were miles from the finish line so she had no choice but to keep going.

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon in reply to ancientrunner]

I think I'd squat by the roadside. On the bright side, completing Rignold 's squatz exercise has enabled me to adopt the correct position with ease to miss my shoes ☺

[C3PO Marathon in reply to Langley-Loper]

I love this!

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Langley-Loper]

Ha!!

[ancientrunner Half Marathon in reply to Langley-Loper]

That made me laugh out loud. I first spotted her squatting in the long grass - technique must have been bad.

[ju-ju- Marathon in reply to ancientrunner]

urgggg I hope she wasnt wearing white?

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon in reply to ju-ju-]

I don't think running shorts come in brown. I may have spotted a market opportunity. Now I just need a brand name.

Catch Alls - "Shorts for the party pooper".

[Puddocks Half Marathon in reply to Langley-Loper]

been there!

[ancientrunner Half Marathon in reply to ju-ju-]

Wasn't white but still very visible. I would definitely have taken my top off and wrapped it round me. Poor lady is probably still traumatised!!!!

[misswobble Marathon]

😱😬. I always eat porridge when I am going running Wait an hour or So 😙then go out running. I stick to the same regime. If you find a fuel that suits you, stick with 😃 beware of milk! I make my porridge with water 🙂