Runners: Can We Be Honest?

fteale

Always go right before the run, then again, just to make sure. I don't have any food with me on the run, only water. I do eat beforehand, though. Something that sits in my system a while, usually porridge with chia seeds.

Do you take any rehydration or energy drinks? I tried them for a while, several types, and they all give me stomach problems so I have to go more often. I would steer clear of anything like that.

HauteP1nk

I had this problem last week! I had conusmed so much water that by the end of my run I couldn't run because the pain was so bad and I had to go to the washroom. It really slowed me down...

sufikitkat

In all honesty...I guess it depends on what your race plan is, but I took a bathroom break at 10.5 on my half marathon and still finished under my goal time. And on training runs I really wouldn't worry about it...they are supposed to be run slower than your goal anyways to work on endurance. Your mid week runs are for speed and such. I make sure I eat a 50% carbs/25% protein/25% fat breakfast every morning no fail. Every meal actually. That could include any combo of egg whites, turkey bacon, almond butter or peanut butter on toast, almond milk yogurt, etc etc. Be sure to drink at least 16 ounce before heading out, pee before heading out, and maybe try switching from gu, I have found that caffeine free Energy chews are much better (caffeine can make you pee!) I honestly haven't had to pee on a long run since I ran my half marathon either and switched from caffeinated energy to non. Good luck!

audddyy

wow can't say I've had that problem, before a long race I usually have a Coke, yep coke, works for me. But I am not allowed to do more than a half marathon as not old enough to do a full, can't wait till I can though...

fteale

wow can't say I've had that problem, before a long race I usually have a Coke, yep coke, works for me. But I am not allowed to do more than a half marathon as not old enough to do a full, can't wait till I can though...

How old are you? I didn't know there was an age limit.

hagamivida

Gu doesn't work for everyone and you may need to experiment with other alternate energy sources.

BobbyDaniel

I eat a banana and protein bar about an hour before I run to make sure I have enough time to take care of business before I run...it has worked so far.

audddyy

Yeah here you have to be 18, Ive just turned 17, so not long to go, although my coach is really fussy about distances etc... he doesn't like us doing too many road races either. But I can't wait to do a marathon hehe...

MommyAngela

If I run first thing in the morning (or for an early race), I have a couple of handfuls of Goldfish crackers and maybe a bite of peanut butter. I don't eat/drink during a long training run (up to 12.5 miles--that's as long as I train), but during each of my three half marathons, I've had one Gu and several cups of water.

If I go out mid-day, I have a PB&J about an hour before I run.

The day before my long runs, I have to eat carefully. Nothing too fatty or with too much fiber.

My husband finds that to combat GI issues during long runs (full marathons for him), he takes 1 Tbsp of Maalox (Equate brand) about 30 min before he starts running.

miovlb6

You know what? For me it's not about what I eat that morning or night, so much as the "pre-run dump". (Damn, I wish I could take credit for that little jewel!). When I don't get in a little morning visit, it's a long run. When I get my bathroom visit checked off my to do list, I can go all day and be fine. Crazy, but you may consider working on your morning bathroom ritual, and see if that helps.

This. My body is like a works like a clock. I wake up, go, have breakfast, go again. If I were to try to mess with that and go for my run before taking care of business, it wouldn't be pretty! Could it be that your body is just ready to go at that time, regardless of whether or not you're running? Perhaps if you wake up half an hour earlier or start your run half an hour later you could get your bathroom break in before going out to run.
Either that, or maybe it's the Gu. Maybe it just doesn't agree with your system. Have you tried alternatives: blocks, beans, etc.?

speedmuffin

Carbs, carbs, carbs, and more carbs. Eat the fruit after your run as it will metabolize better. But you want to eat bread, pasta, cereal, granola bars, any type of carbs before your long run. Then after the long run, as a snack, it's ok to eat protein and sugars within that 30 minute window after running.

DiannaMoorer

I make sure I eat an early dinner the night before(early so it will get through my system before race time the next day)and not to big a dinner either. Just normal with lot's of carbs. I also get up very early and drink my coffee first thing before I eat to activate my innards. And then have my carb breakfast about two hours before race time. I have never had a problem during a race but I have had to stop during practice runs.

MissFit0101

I drink coffee every morning and that always makes me go lol... then I never have any issues during my runs. I usually run shorter runs on an empty stomach and long runs I have peanut butter toast and banana.

omna379

I always try to keep my bladder full most of the day so when I get up and run in the morning there is room for expansion, I always run on a empty stomach but after the run and through out the day drink drink drink.

furbutt

Secret - I have run over 20 marathons and half and the only thing that works for me is a strong cup of coffee 30 min before run, helps get everything moving. Gu makes me have to go... I found power bar gel easier to stomach. I always pack tp when I run

bstamps12

I do take water with me if it's over 4 miles, my water bottle holds 12 oz and I space it out with a drink about every 2 miles (which is what my HM has available). I have tried Hammer gel once but I had it very late in the run so I wouldn't have had time to see if it was okay for me or not. Thanks for all the tips!

debbiepa

12oz of H2O while on a long run might not be enough. Weigh yourself before and after your run and add in your 12oz of water. You should be within 1-2 lbs from your pre-run weight. If not, you should be drinking more. Lots of great tips for you-good luck on your next long run!

99cherrypie99

I am so jealous of you guys with no issues!! I run at night and can't make it 3 miles without having to poop URGENTLY. It is extremely frustrating!

KimertRuns13_1

I suffer stomach issues on long and short runs. Short runs I just deal the best I can. Long runs and races, I get up at least an hour and a half before my run and have a slice of toast or half eng muffin w/peanut butter. I try to use the bathroom before I leave the house. Either way I take an Immodium after I eat and one more in the car on the way. I also carry one in my running pack just in case. I have ran into many issues on trails and have had to take it to the woods. The best advice I have for those moments is to carry some TP! lol

Good luck!

happy_vegan

you're not alone...i can't believe you eat anything before running though to be honest. I wouldn't last half that distance you can go. I have to run on an empty stomach, and especially no caffeine or nicotine as stimulants make you have to poop i agree with whoever said if you really need it something like a clif bar or that energy gel will work.

happy_vegan

oh and i was a new runner last year, but ran a half marathon no problems just having one of those little energy gel things before hand. you won't be too hungry and if you ARE races always have food stations at the end...you will make it

allylourn

So weird, I have never had that problem, usually your bowels slow down during runs bc the blood flow is going to your muscles and decreased to your intestines...could it be nerves....and make sure you eat at least 2 hours prior to run ...good luck

kunibob

I have Ulcerative Colitis and my stomach gets pretty cranky when I run. I sometimes have to stop as much as 2-3 times during a 10K training run. Frustrating, and, on occasion, extremely embarrassing (I won't go into details. :P) I'm going to repeat a lot of what was said here, I think, but here's my routine:

The good news is that I figured out what triggers my upset stomach: eating high fibre foods (especially salad or bananas) the day before or eating dairy the day before.

So, for a couple days before a race, I cut those out of my diet and stick to easily digestible foods. I do a carb load at lunch the day before, then have a really, really light supper. My morning snack before the run are snacks I know I can digest (a half cup of Chocolate Cheerios and a Gatorade powerone drink or gu gel). I have those about 2 hours before the race and make sure to try to go right before the race starts. Elevating my feet so I'm in more of a squat position sometimes helps get things moving.

I also find that my stomach is a lot nicer on race days. Maybe it's because of the adrenaline? I can make it a full half marathon without having to stop, which is pretty nice.

Keeping hydrated seems to be important for me as well. My last half, I brought my camelbak with me. Not cool looking, but it was good to have a sip of water ready on demand. I'm gradually easing my body to a less frequent drinking schedule, though, so that I can eventually just use water stations.

If I'm near times of the month where hormones can cause me more stomach upset, I pop an Immodium about half an hour before the race, which seems to help. (This is very rare, though.)

runwithmike

Before my long runs, I drink 16-20 oz of water and eat a bowl of oatmeal. Usually if I am going to run >12 miles I take my Camelbak with me. It is large enought to haul 28 oz of water. I also bring a water bottle with orange gatorade so I may replenish my electrolytes.

I always try to go to the restroom before I head out the door.

SmashleeWpg

I drink 2 cups of coffee when I first wake up 6-6:30ish a bowl of go lean crunch about an hour later. by 8:45-9 I am good to go! Coffee gets everything moving lol. I did 10 miles last week and never had to stop.

THIS! Drinking coffee moves everything and makes all the difference! When I did my latest half, I made sure to wake up with ample time, had 2 cups of coffee, a bit of water, oatmeal with pb and 1/2 a banana. Drank only water along the run and didn't have to stop at all! It's really nice being able to run the full race and not worry about having to make any pit stops.

mareowner

Mayo Clinic Article:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/runners-diarrhea/AN00376


Runner's diarrhea is characterized by frequent, loose bowel movements during or immediately after a run. Runner's diarrhea is most common in long-distance or marathon runners.

The cause of runner's diarrhea isn't clear. One theory is that extreme exercise directs blood flow away from the intestines — contributing to diarrhea.

Often, simple dietary changes can help prevent runner's diarrhea:

At least one day before running, limit or avoid high-fiber and gas-producing foods, such as beans, bran, fruit and salad. If you run every day, experiment to find a tolerable level of fiber. Otherwise, simply eat those foods after you run.
At least one day before running, limit or avoid sweeteners called sugar alcohols — most often found in sugar-free candies, gum and ice cream.
For three to six hours before running, limit or avoid caffeine and high-fat foods.
For at least two hours before running, don't eat anything at all.
Before, during and after running, drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can lead to diarrhea. Avoid warm liquids, however, which can speed food through the digestive tract.
While running, use caution with energy gels and energy bars. In some people, these products can contribute to diarrhea.
If you're lactose intolerant, switch to lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk and milk products.
In addition, wear comfortable, loosefitting clothing when you run. Clothing that's too tight around the waist may aggravate diarrhea. You might also consider reducing the intensity or distance of your runs until the diarrhea improves. Then gradually increase your activity as your signs and symptoms allow. If these tips don't seem to help, consult your doctor for additional suggestions.

iuangina

What are you eating the day before your long runs? I find that if I don't eat well the night before I end up with this problem.

megansoriano

Depends

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ROFL! lol.. . . .puns at their best.

jillybeanruns

I've really only had GI problems maybe twice before and it was due to too much grease/fat at race pasta dinners.

If my stomach feels iffy (in any capacity) before a race/run, I pop 2 pepto bismol chewables.

I can eat oatmeal and a banana or a Marathon Bar and a banana before a long run or race and be completly fine. I would look at what you're eating 24-48 hours before you run into this problem though. I don't ever use the bathroom during races, make sure you get your hydration in 24-48 before a race (or all week long if it's for a marathon or ultra).

bigdawg62

I always bring toilet paper and have no problem with pulling off to the side of the road and taking a dump in the woods if need be.