Running and peeing

Yes, I can relate! When I walk more than 40 minutes (I'm a walker right now), I make sure my route has bathrooms. I often check out areas that I can use if needed (and thank goodness that hasn't happened yet!). But NOT having coffee before going outside in the morning has helped -- I know you don't want to but it will make a difference (or at least wait an hour or two before walking). The Dr. recommends Kegel Exercises and I'm going to start working on my abs (I think a strong ab would help). Worst comes to worst -- if you have to go outside just don't get caught by the police and receive a summons!

I can relate! I can't drink coffee before I run. The coffee can also cause bladder spasms which I get also. I will eat a meal that at least 20grams of protein then wait an hour then go run that gets me the extra energy to get me through.

Maybe drink something without caffeine? It is a mild diuretic. I know I have a problem in that regard with tea and coffee. Drink a cup, and within a short amount of time I'll be needing to go. Don't have that issue with water - I can don't have the urge to go until later.

Other than that, my other suggestion is to practice Kegels. The better you can hold it, the more options you'll have, I guess.

Maybe you need to do some pelvic floor exercises? I have heard mostly women who have had children complain about this. My science teacher in high school ran a lot and always had this issue. I haven't had an issue and usually stay pretty hydrated.

ebrass73 wrote: »

If you are a long distance runner, it is very common for you to lose some control of your bladder muscles. When I'm training for marathons, I lose control of my bladder completely and, yes, pee myself. I can't do anything to stop it. It's part of running long distances. Some people can handle their bladders, others can't. I, for one, can't. Once I start training past 10-15 miles, I often wet my pants while running. It comes on so fast that I can't even stop quick enough to find a place to squat. It just happens.

TMI? Probably.

I don't have that issue (Men are lucky) but I can say with all sincerity that your pee soaked shorts still smell better than I do after 15 miles. Smell isn't even a factor I would worry about. Who cares? I wouldn't.

After just 4 miles last week I was told to strip at the door and stop stinking up the place.

Frankly, I'm always more concerned about needing to poo. I could confidently pee in the wooded areas around my running path, but not so much on the poo. My running group calls it a PRP - pre-run poop. A necessity and something I plan my runs around.

I had to give up caffeine, but you could try these http://www.poise.com/products/impressa/detail/sizing-kit

http://www.runnersworld.com/zelle/5-things-female-runners-should-know-about-their-private-parts

Oh I feel your pain. I run in the morning, after peeing and before drinking ANYTHING because since the fourth baby I cannot run without peeing some, she broke something in there. Sometimes I run a path that takes me back by the house so I can go in and pee again during the run, and, well, black yoga pants and plenty of sweating.

In a race I just try not to worry about it too much.


On the needing to pee or poop during a run, that's very common and if you run at the same time each day you can try to train your body to go beforehand. Get up earlier, drink the coffee earlier, go use the bathroom then run. I don't actually have enough time to do that, already getting up close to 5am to fit the run in before kid dropoff, but this is what the fiancé did, he goes in to work later so got his body scheduled to eliminate before workout.

JoRocka wrote: »

I would try the new period underwear first before adult diapers- My friend has them- says they work pretty well- perhaps with a liner- they might be just what you need.

I just read a review of them and they sound pretty great.