Long run and stomach issues

Amy_Andrews
Amy_Andrews Posts: 106
in Fitness and Exercise
I am training for a half marathon and my long runs are now up to about an hour and a half. Since increasing the duration of my long runs, I've been having really bad "need to go RIGHT NOW" issues (of the #2 variety), usually occuring around 3 miles and again around 6 miles. I'm fine IF I can find a bathroom. On the really bad days, my stomach cramps get so bad that I have to walk the rest of the way home. I don't notice it on shorter runs, of 5 miles or less. I haven't changed my diet, except to increase my calories. And I haven't changed when/where I run. The only thing that has changed in the duration of the run.

Anyone have any advice to soothe my tummy during these long runs?

Replies

  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    This is a common runners problem. The increase in activity moves blood away from your bowels and into your legs. Try to lay off the high-fiber foods the day before. I had a friend who would carry saltines wrapped in plastic with her to calm her stomach as she ran.
  • suannemarie
    suannemarie Posts: 38
    A few things to try...

    1. Cut back/eliminate coffee and tea if you drink them.
    2. Limit dairy and high fat foods.
    3. Don't eat sugar free items, the sugar replacements can stick it to ya'.
    4. Don't eat two hours before running if possible.
    5. Try not to eat high fiber meals in the afternoon the day prior (if you run in the morning) or early in the morning (if you run in the evening).
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    I used to take half an imodium before all my runs. Now I only take it if my stomach is upset. I do always take one on race day (as a just in case).
  • Jaysus145
    Jaysus145 Posts: 1
    Does anyone have advice for when you absolutely can not hold it anymore?
  • southerndream24
    southerndream24 Posts: 303 Member
    Ah, don't miss that feeling one bit. You might need to look into what you're eating prior to your longer run. There are somethings I can handle on short 5 mile/40 min run that would destroy my stomach on a 16 mile run. Experiment with what you're eating to see if there's a difference. If it's not food related then take some of the other advice on here.
  • SonicDeathMonkey80
    SonicDeathMonkey80 Posts: 4,489 Member
    Change your poop schedule. There, someone said it.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Does anyone have advice for when you absolutely can not hold it anymore?

    Carry some TP and head for the bushes...... (You don't want to know what some pros have done during races)

    To the OP -it's a common problem, try cutting back on your fibre (no bean burritos) the day before your long runs and go before you leave the house (a cup of coffee usually does the trick for me in the AM... sorry if that's TMI)
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    i found reducing dairy the day before and day of my long run helped a lot. or plan a route near a known toilet! :)
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    and yes, a small strong black coffee helps lots too.
  • emc916
    emc916 Posts: 77
    My Advice

    PRP (Pre-run Poop)

    Do what you gotta do.
  • KathleenMurry
    KathleenMurry Posts: 448 Member
    Ughh this may sound odd but.... I always drink a laxative tea the night before a long run or a race. I get up early and make sure I'm "empty" before I go. I used to have the same problem as you!
  • Rastamann
    Rastamann Posts: 139 Member
    Does anyone have advice for when you absolutely can not hold it anymore?

    Plan ahead. I have a hotel and a couple fast food joints that I've blessed a few times.

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