Running=Uncontrollable #2

alliecat8123
alliecat8123 Posts: 4
edited September 29 in Health and Weight Loss
This is probably gross, and too much information, but it's driving me crazy and I need help!
I started running a week and a half ago. Nothing big - I was not very active before. I'm alternating between jogging and power-walking in about 5 minute increments (one song at a time) for a total of 35 minutes (or ~3 miles). But the past couple of days have left me VERY unmotivated to continue…
I wake up at 6:00 am.
I drink a glass of water, change into my sneakers, and try to go to the bathroom before I start my run. I can always empty my bladder, but never my bowels. They're not awake yet or something.
About 2 or 3 songs in (out of 7), I have the sudden urge to poop. And it's uncontrollable. I hurry to the toilet as fast as I can. (Again, this may be too much information, but I've already had 2 days of soiled panties, and 3 days of "not a moment too soon".
I've tried sitting on the toilet for a longer period of time in the mornings, delaying my run until 7 (that's an HOUR on the pot), but I simply can't go on command.
Help! I want to continue my running routine, but SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE! Any suggestions?

Replies

  • felly07
    felly07 Posts: 43 Member
    Runner's/Jogger's trots is really common (Google it) so if iy's any consolation you aren't alone in this!
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    I always had problems like that too. I made sure to warm up close to a toilet, and then do my normal workout after things 'worked themselves out'
  • DestinyDarbi
    DestinyDarbi Posts: 260 Member
    Embarrassing.. but I'm the same way! I always have to "GO" mid jog, but it only happens in the mornings. I never could figure it out, so I have to run in the evenings now. Maybe you could do some jump roping before you go running.. that way you're not far from the bathroom, and you can take care of business and not have to worry about it while you're out! Good luck!
  • KassiV
    KassiV Posts: 28
    I drink my coffee at least an hour before I go for a run...that seems to help "hurry" things along.
  • corinnak
    corinnak Posts: 51 Member
    I think this is a very common problem. Running really makes that colon want to MOVE. Is there a possibility of doing a quick warm-up jog close to home, return and use the bathroom before heading out for the longer duration? Or plan a bathroom stop on the way - I know where all the porta-a-potties and public restrooms are on my regular routes - if you can find one the right distance out, that could work too.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    My brother used have a t-shirt about 30 years ago that read, "Jogging Gives Me The Runs." It's a pretty common problem.

    I have lots of fiber and lots of water, and I'm literally regular as clockwork now. But I won't leave the house until I've pooped.

    Now, I know with dogs (I was a vet tech... I know way too much about the bowel habits of animals), some need exercise to help them poop. Mine typically goes about a half mile into our walks.

    Maybe plan a shorter loop around the block so you can stop back at home to use the Ladies' Room, then continue with the rest of your run?
  • Kath712
    Kath712 Posts: 1,263 Member
    Since starting running a few months ago, I have noticed things move a lot easier now, but it's never been a problem like you are experiencing. I can relate to not being able to go on command. For me, the running has helped me stay more regular.

    Do you think it's diarrhea? Maybe try an Immodium? Banana? They usually keep things firm for me, almost too firm, so I don't eat them everyday.

    I agree with felly07 - I've heard a lot about runner's trots. A friend of mine started running last year, and she swore she got food poisoning from a local diner. LOL - she felt silly when I told her about runners trots.
  • NellyBlight
    NellyBlight Posts: 11 Member
    Since you're running in the morning, I'm assuming you're not eating before you run. If that is the case, then you might try eating your higher fiber meals earlier in the day and lowering the fiber content of your dinner. I've had to make some of the same changes and while I can't guarantee they will work for you, it might be a start. Happy running!
  • jessradtke
    jessradtke Posts: 418 Member
    Yep, this is VERY common. I've found two things that have helped me. I started having coffee every morning about an hour before I run because it gets things moving. And I also started running at a park where the trail loops back around to the bathrooms right about the time I'm getting done with my warm up (the time when I usually need the bathroom).
  • noely1974
    noely1974 Posts: 45 Member
    Yes thank you!! i have had this prob ever since i started running , i always take loo role out with me just in case there is not a pub nearby i can just pop in. luckily where i live is quite rural! i have noticed though that these last few weeks i have watched my diet more closely and the prob is getting better , i have heard marathon runners use imodium haha, me and my misses had a real good laugh once as my running tracker using gps actually followed me into the bushes rest for 2 mins then leave haha i hope the feds wasn't watching me!!
  • corinnak
    corinnak Posts: 51 Member
    Thinking about it some more, I've got a running friend who had terrible G/I problems when running. It turns out she is gluten intolerant and cutting the gluten has made a huge difference in her digestion as well as life in general. Probably that is not the problem in your case, but if the standard measures don't help, talking to your doctor or a G/I specialist is a good idea, too.
  • alliecat8123
    alliecat8123 Posts: 4
    Thanks guys! I don't feel so bad….although it is still embarrassing. Waking up an hour early is probably unlikely. I wake up at 6 now, and when I go back to school (I'm a teacher), I'll have to wake up even earlier to get to school for 6:30. I guess I could try running at dusk. I tried Imodium the day before yesterday and I was able to complete my run. I tried it again this morning, and I had to hurry home about half-way in. It's pretty discouraging, and have I mentioned disgusting? I think I'll try the evening run thing - that way I have plenty of time to use the restroom. I've always heard running in the morning is better, but who knows.
    Thanks again for all the help and support!
  • alliecat8123
    alliecat8123 Posts: 4
    And the sun is out at 7, and living in Southern Louisiana, you CAN'T run when the sun is out. You just can't.
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