Running Query (warning: TMI)

molly_grue

Ok, this is a bit embarrassing, but does anyone else experience a lot of gas while running?
Every time I run I feel like I'm leaving a cloud behind me. I don't mind so much because I run alone.
However, I am going to be doing a 5K next month and I don't want people around me to drop like flies.
Am I alone in my flatulence?

drgndancer

Lower GI problems are common in runners. The blood that normally hangs out in your lower GI tract helping with final food digestion and such wanders into your legs instead. Gas and so called "runner's trots" (you figure it out) are pretty common. Nothing to worry about. Try to avoid high fiber foods the day before your race; that will hopefully minimize the problem, but don't worry too much about it.

Chagama

All the time. But don't worry, because everyone else in the race will be doing the same thing.

whooter

Ok, this is a bit embarrassing, but does anyone else experience a lot of gas while running?
Every time I run I feel like I'm leaving a cloud behind me. I don't mind so much because I run alone.
However, I am going to be doing a 5K next month and I don't want people around me to drop like flies.
Am I alone in my flatulence?

I dunno, that seems like a good way to eliminate competition and improve your finish placement. ;-)

MakingAChoice

Heck I experience this problem just while walking, but I have a very high fiber diet. It is the one problem with a high fiber diet that I just have to cope with. When running you are outside and moving, so even if they smelled bad I doubt most will notice. It also sounds like it is a common thing among runners.

amanda_ataraxia

I wouldn't worry about it. I am sure you won't be the only one crop dusting, as they call it!

wolfgate

One group of ultramarathoners I know used to call those "walkie talkies". Figure if there's a name for it, then it must be pretty common!

sevsmom

I toot during most aerobic activities! But I've never really noticed anyone else's "stink" while racing. Except when I got stuck behind some kid who apparently hadn't showered in a couple of weeks. HE stunk!!!

RedHeadDevotchka

I crop dust at the gym while walking, jogging, or doing weights. I feel like all that movement makes me gassier.

On a side note, farts are just hilarious

mortyfit

Don't let it bother you. It happens all the time, and the ladies just as much as us men. In fact, that was featured in an article in Runners' World about six months ago--very funny! Guaranteed no one will even notice. By the time the smell wafts up they've already run past, so the affected competitors are the ones about 20 yards behind you. They'll never know where it came from, and you can have a little laugh to distract you from the ache in your quads!

missfitmt

I knew I wasn't alone in this! :blushing:

purple1butterfly

Don't worry i have had it happen as well. I just kept running :laugh:

IronPhyllida

I dunno, that seems like a good way to eliminate competition and improve your finish placement. ;-)

Right - I'm using that tactic at my next race.

IronPhyllida

Farts are funny, which means you use your abs to laugh whilst doing exercise and you feel lighter afterwards.
it's a win win situation. Keep at it.

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

Do what my kid does. Look at the guy next to you like he's disgusting and keep running. :drinker:

actlc

I call it turbo boost. Help improving my pace. ;D

BrianSharpe

If we didn't fart we'd explode.......don't worry about it! :laugh:

sjp_511

I get it really bad right around my period. Also when I eat a lot of cheese.

cwsikes

Farting while running is expected and at least for me, usually makes me feel better. What is not as nice of a situation is when you think you might poop yourself. Last running race we did, my husband actually thought he did! I'll take just farting any day.

dbmata

Wait until you earn your yellow socks.

Will_Thrust_For_Candy

Do what my kid does. Look at the guy next to you like he's disgusting and keep running. :drinker:

FTW!

SpleenThief

It happens. All runners know about it and nobody cares.

ATT949

Ok, this is a bit embarrassing, but does anyone else experience a lot of gas while running?
Every time I run I feel like I'm leaving a cloud behind me. I don't mind so much because I run alone.
However, I am going to be doing a 5K next month and I don't want people around me to drop like flies.
Am I alone in my flatulence?

I don't have that issue but there are some things you can do to reduce flatulence - Beano apparently works and you might want to look into your diet to see what's causing it.

Another option, is to understand your eating patterns and time-to-digest and then change your eating accordingly. The idea is to time your intake so that your bowel is not filling during when you're running.

For most people, it takes 12-36 hours to ingest, digest, and eliminate solid food (it varies from person to person, as well as what type of food). If you figure out your cycle is X hours, eat very little food X hours before the race. I did this for my Half last week - I didn't eat breakfast on Saturday 'til late in the AM so it was "all clear" for the entire HM.

madworld1

I crop dust at the gym while walking, jogging, or doing weights. I feel like all that movement makes me gassier.

On a side note, farts are just hilarious

Agree with the side note. I'm 33 and I still laugh hysterically at farts.