Feel like going to the bathroom during running

lasarabande · May 2014

Sorry this sounds quite a bit TMI but every time I run for a while I get this strangely uncomfortable sensation that I have to go poop. I go to the bathroom before starting my exercise routine but this always happens and it makes me want to cut my run session short. Then I go to the bathroom afterwards and nothing happens.

I don't eat heavy foods before this either and I make sure I'm not loaded on food before working out.

sfbaumgarten · May 2014

Maybe it's just gas??

SLLRunner · May 2014

Sorry this sounds quite a bit TMI but every time I run for a while I get this strangely uncomfortable sensation that I have to go poop. I go to the bathroom before starting my exercise routine but this always happens and it makes me want to cut my run session short. Then I go to the bathroom afterwards and nothing happens.

I don't eat heavy foods before this either and I make sure I'm not loaded on food before working out.

Running moves things. I always have to poop after running.

If nothing happens, could it be the build up of gas?

No_Finish_Line · May 2014

have a similair issue but i feel like i got to pee lol

Tillyecl1 · May 2014

Hey, this is probably gastric distress, it's pretty common in runners. The article linked has some tips on avoiding it as best you can:
http://m.runnersworld.com/nutrition-runners/avoiding-gastric-distress-during-runs-and-races?page=single

MeganAnne89 · May 2014

It's not just runners.

It's often recommended for people suffering from constipation that they go and exercise. And often when I'm on the elliptical I end up needing to use the washroom afterwards.