Eating before a run or not?

chickenpoppa

I find that lately when I'm doing my runs (I'm running 5k at a time as I'm
Training for a 4k in may) I have to stop and go to the toilet 2-3 times during it. I have been trying to eat different foods before it and varies the time after I eat to when I start running. I'm about to do another run now. I've had a banana and a chocolate up and go (like a protein drink) and will see how I go with that. I have also tried not eating before but the same thing happens. I'm very worried when I do the 4k as I dont want to have to stop. It's very annoying as I know I can run the 4-5k without shopping.

Any suggestions what to eat before?

Thanks Sarah

leahnoelle31

For runs under 5 miles, I usually don't eat anything beforehand. For my long runs on the weekends (minimum of just under 8 miles) I'll eat toast with peanut butter and half an apple and limit myself to no more than 3 cups of coffee. I don't like eating a lot before a run. I also try to stop drinking coffee 20-30 minutes before I head out. I do end up peeing about 100 times before I leave . Sometimes there is nothing you can do, you've gotta pee! I'm always happy when I find a gas station to stop in instead of hide in the bushes

mmk137

Sarah are you running on a treadmill or running outside.

I for one have never had this problem.

have you ever tried to hold it? Just so you can do your run.

also what time are you running. and how long after a meal.

for example. when I go for a run, I try to aim to run at least 1 hour AFTER i have eaten. Longer if it was a heavier meal.

trail_rnr

Not talked about a lot, but a very common problem. See this article:

http://anne-valente.suite101.com/running-on-a-sensitive-stomach-a63144

For long runs, this is why I ALWAYS carry immodium. You never know. I do think it gets better over time, though.

Not fun, I know. Think about taking an immodium on race morning if you continue to have problems.

JenMull44

I would really try to limit your water intake before the run. Sometimes we dont realize how much water we drink because its good for us so we dont feel guilty downing a couple glasses.
I run on a treadmill (due to bad knees) and usually have to hit the bathromm 3.25 miles into my work out. I think woman just naturally have to pee.
I do however try to wait to drink water until I have reached the 3.25 mark. You have to train your body to get along without out and then your bladder will eventually get with the program.
GOOD LUCK !

chickenpoppa

Sarah are you running on a treadmill or running outside.

I for one have never had this problem.

have you ever tried to hold it? Just so you can do your run.

also what time are you running. and how long after a meal.

for example. when I go for a run, I try to aim to run at least 1 hour AFTER i have eaten. Longer if it was a heavier meal.

Hey Matilda

Im running twice a week on a treadmill and once outside around my backyard. I usually do the run about 10.30am after eating about 1-2 hours after I eat.

I would hold it if I could:-(

When I did my run yesterday I had a banana and a chocolate Up And Go before and I only had to go to the toilet once during it but then my stupid asthma started playing up so the end result wasn't good unfortunately.

I think what I will try and do is eat different things before and try not eating as well before.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Sarah

chickenpoppa

Not talked about a lot, but a very common problem. See this article:

http://anne-valente.suite101.com/running-on-a-sensitive-stomach-a63144

For long runs, this is why I ALWAYS carry immodium. You never know. I do think it gets better over time, though.

Not fun, I know. Think about taking an immodium on race morning if you continue to have problems.

Thanks for the article. I think I will look at doing some things it suggested.

mmk137

is it just for running or does it occur with other exercises

chickenpoppa

is it just for running or does it occur with other exercises

Just running

HJCsDaddy

I have experienced this as well, however, i have taken measures to ensure it doesn't happen during the run to some success. A lot of the problem comes from what you consume the day prior to the run, rather than during the day of the run. Try to limit your fibers the day prior and stick to carbs and lower protien. Do NOT limit your water, it will only dehydrate you and make your run more miserable. The best way of countering the problem I have had (and it sounds simple) but on the day of a race, I eat 2 hours prior to the race, even if that means waking up early, eating then going back to sleep. Prior to the race, I ALWAYS make sure I "void" before the race at least once, usually twice, as nerves take over and make it necessary. If you haven't already done it, sign up with active.com, as they have TONS of helpful columns and articles to help combat the issue. Hope this helps.

shannon_121285

I don't have any food before 5k. I run first thing in the morning. I do have 2 cups of coffee and 2 glasses of water and make sure I use the toilet before I leave. Sometimes you do just have to stop. Once you find the food/drink combo that works for you stick with it. When I do a long run, I eat 2 pieces of fruit beforehand and an extra glass of water.

Sometimes it feels like you can't push through it but once you reach your breaking point, try to go just a little further. You will be surprised. I think it would be harder to push yourself though if you are on a treadmill. If you run outside "in public" try to push to the next washroom or home. When I do this, usually once I stop running, the extreme urge to go to the bathroom has gone away.

dorseykm

I don't eat anything before my morning runs and this has so far worked for me up 14 miles. I haven't run further than that yet.