Half marathons and potty breaks

Amy_B
Amy_B Posts: 2,317 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have my first half marathon on June 4. I think I am most worried about having to use the bathroom during the race, and I don't want to have to stop. If you've run a half (or full), did you have to stop and go? Is there usually a long line usually? Do you think it really slowed you down? Should I even worry about it? :wink:

Replies

  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    I drink upwards of 100 oz a day, and only pee maybe twice in the whole day. Maybe start doing some kegel exercises? There's no reason you can't go to the bathroom beforehand, hold it 2-3 hours, and go when you're done.
  • music_lover_103
    music_lover_103 Posts: 118
    i didn't even have to pee for the entire race. i didn't even think of it. my race was in the morning, so i hadn't over-hydrated or anything. i think you'll be fine, but if you really have to pee, they will most likely have port a potties along the way. if its hot enough, maybe you'll just sweat it all out.
  • shawn526
    shawn526 Posts: 79 Member
    I've done 19 full marathons and probably 15 halfs, and I've only had to stop at the porto-potties maybe 3 times, total, ever. I sweat a lot, though, so maybe that has something to do with it, lol. Don't over-hydrate that morning, go before the race if you have to, don't stop at the first porta-potty, and I wouldn't really worry about it anyway. You're going to PR your race no matter what, since it's your first. Just enjoy it :)

    Good luck, and run happy!
  • bbbbb33333
    bbbbb33333 Posts: 1,107 Member
    I've run 3 halfs and 1 full. Did not have to stop and pee. Your body is using lots of liquid during your run and you are barely replacing it. I noticed a few portable johns along the way and a couple people, but not much in the way of lines. I would not worry about it, especially for a 1/3
  • kaitimae
    kaitimae Posts: 727 Member
    I've done 5, and only ever had to stop once - and that was for some not fun stomach issues. (Sometimes you don't get a choice re: holding it - either you HAVE to go or unfortunate things will happen...)

    Anyway, it didn't slow me down too much! I actually still ran my fastest time that race. There were no lines... there was also NO TP!!! So, my best advice is that if you are taking any sort of fuel belt with you, stick a pack of travel kleenex in there, or take a small ziploc with your own TP.
  • Legs_McGee
    Legs_McGee Posts: 845 Member
    I've done about a dozen half marathons and am currently training for a full, so I've done training runs up to 18 miles (with a 20 miler tomorrow morning!). I always get in line at the porta-potties and go right before a race....but I've never had to go during one - and I don't think I've ever stopped during a training run either. I would drink lots of water in the days leading up to the race - but don't overdue it the morning of....you don't want it sloshing around in your tummy. But if you do have to go - the number of porta-potties on the route and whether you'll have to wait in line is really dependent on the size of the race and how well-organized it is.
  • lclarkjr
    lclarkjr Posts: 359 Member
    Make sure you don't over-hydrate yourself in the hours before the race. Stop drinking fluids 2 hours prior to start and then have something to drink 10-15 mins before the start. And of course make sure you use the bathroom before the start to make sure your bladder is empty. You should end up not having to go and just sweat out all the fluids consumed just before and during the race.
  • Amy_B
    Amy_B Posts: 2,317 Member
    Awesome! Thanks for the info!
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