Peeing during Half or Full Marathon?

Lisa__Michelle
Lisa__Michelle Posts: 845 Member
edited October 4 in Fitness and Exercise
I was just wondering what all you runners do about peeing during a half or full marathon? Do most of you wait until the end or go during? I have always wondered this because it would get in the way of a timed event (esp. for the ladies).

Replies

  • Spiceanne
    Spiceanne Posts: 88 Member
    When I ran my half marathon i went to the washroom right before the race and was good and didn't have to go during the whole race :)
  • Flyntiggr
    Flyntiggr Posts: 898 Member
    my race is still a couple weeks away, but so far I've been able to make it through my training runs without a potty break! I make sure I go beforehand, and I'm pretty much using everything I put in during the runs....
  • rodneyderrick
    rodneyderrick Posts: 483 Member
    Lol. When running a marathon, many runners do more than just pee. There will be portable bathrooms along the way; and if you have to go, go. You'll piss or crap your pants if you don't.
  • iuangina
    iuangina Posts: 691 Member
    When running a half marathon, I pee before I start (usually 2-3 times before I start) and then again at the end. You can probably make it the whole race without going.

    As far as the full goes, I pee before I start (again 2-3 times) and then again when I hit the halfway point. It's usually at that point where the crowds at the porta potties of died down and I can get in and out without having to wait in line.
  • KimertRuns13_1
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    It's not the peeing I have to worry about usually. lol
    Anyway, I use the porta potty before the race starts. Usually I don't have to pee during a long run though but if I had to I would stop. My last race (Oct 2nd) I had to stop mid race (mile 5-6) to use the bathroom. Sometimes it just can't be helped!
  • LilMissFoodie
    LilMissFoodie Posts: 612 Member
    Some of my friends that do marathon walks and runs use a 'she-wee' - google it. Kind of creeps me out but I guess it would be more practical...
  • AZTrailRunner
    AZTrailRunner Posts: 1,199 Member
    I've never run a full marathon, but I've run over a dozen Halfs and 5 Half Ironman races (5+ hours). I've only had to ever use the port-a-potty one time during the bike-to-run transition in a Half IM.

    Like the others stated, I pee several times race morning BEFORE the race, and am usually good for the event. Good luck.
  • staceyseeger
    staceyseeger Posts: 778 Member
    The port-a-potties on Marathon courses are DISGUSTING!!! Runners are so GROSS! They run in and run out...literally. If they happen to hit the hole...extra credit for them.

    The times that I have absolutely had to go, I duck behind a tree or fence. Half of the time, I am in plain view of the course. The funny thing is that the runners are too busy running to pay attention to what you are doing. Plus if they are true runners, the wouldn't think twice about what you were doing. I know I don't.
  • EmpressOfJudgment
    EmpressOfJudgment Posts: 1,162 Member
    I just saw a picture yesterday of a marathon runner who shat himself during the race. It was so gross. I would post it here, but I can't do that to you guys. I've never done more than a ten mile race, so it's never been an issue for me, luckily.
  • Lisa__Michelle
    Lisa__Michelle Posts: 845 Member
    Some of my friends that do marathon walks and runs use a 'she-wee' - google it. Kind of creeps me out but I guess it would be more practical...

    There is also a "go girl". I know someone who has it lol.
  • FunRun08
    FunRun08 Posts: 203 Member
    I ran a half a couple weeks ago and I had to pee the last 4 miles, but I held it not wanting to take the time to stop, I probably would have run faster and made up the time if I did stop.
    There was more than one occasion that I considered just letting it go (it was pouring rain) but decided I'm not fast enough to justify that LOL.

    Also saw lots of people going behind trees and whatever so if you have to go and there is not aid stations you wouldnt be the first to squat behind a car.
  • theginnyray
    theginnyray Posts: 208 Member
    Lol. When running a marathon, many runners do more than just pee. There will be portable bathrooms along the way; and if you have to go, go. You'll piss or crap your pants if you don't.
    Yup!
    My first official half is this weekend, my long training runs have only been 9.5-10 miles each, with no potty breaks. I've done a couple of 20k's and had to stop for potty breaks twice in each of them.
    I love love love races, the atmosphere is so fun! Even tho I'm a snail, I still get slightly anxious about them and my stomach takes the brunt of that anxiety. If you gotta go, stop and go, and push yourself a little harder after.
  • Lisa__Michelle
    Lisa__Michelle Posts: 845 Member
    The port-a-potties on Marathon courses are DISGUSTING!!! Runners are so GROSS! They run in and run out...literally. If they happen to hit the hole...extra credit for them.

    The times that I have absolutely had to go, I duck behind a tree or fence. Half of the time, I am in plain view of the course. The funny thing is that the runners are too busy running to pay attention to what you are doing. Plus if they are true runners, the wouldn't think twice about what you were doing. I know I don't.

    GROSS about the toilets... and that is funny about going in front of everyone. If they are focused on their run, then you are right and they wouldn't see you lol.
  • alair1980
    alair1980 Posts: 31 Member
    During marathons I usually have to pee towards the end, but just hold it in so as not to damage my time.

    Once (and this will be a TMI, sorry in advance!) I need a #2 from about the half way point and held it in, I was in pain for the following two days! I do NOT recommend this :smile:
  • UrbanRunner81
    UrbanRunner81 Posts: 1,207 Member
    When I ran my half marathon i went to the washroom right before the race and was good and didn't have to go during the whole race :)

    ^^^ agreed. It meant I started late but it would have been time taken if I stopped during the race.
  • irunforfun
    irunforfun Posts: 113 Member
    During marathons I usually have to pee towards the end, but just hold it in so as not to damage my time.

    Once (and this will be a TMI, sorry in advance!) I need a #2 from about the half way point and held it in, I was in pain for the following two days! I do NOT recommend this :smile:

    ^^ This. I had NO idea I was going to have to go potty during the race but I didn't hit one from the time I was on mile 10 (when I had to go) til mile 16 and it was more painful than the ligament I tore during the race. GO potty!
  • Flyntiggr
    Flyntiggr Posts: 898 Member
    Some of my friends that do marathon walks and runs use a 'she-wee' - google it. Kind of creeps me out but I guess it would be more practical...

    There is also a "go girl". I know someone who has it lol.

    is the same is the freshette? I have one of those for bavckpacking. ;)
  • netchik
    netchik Posts: 587 Member
    Dup :(
  • netchik
    netchik Posts: 587 Member
    Remember when Paula Radcliffe pooped in the gutter in front of everyone during the London Marathon? It was too much for english sensibilities! People instantly forgot her previous wins, awesome times, style etc. They just focussed on the poop.

    I guess it depends on how badly you need that time... but if you're not in it for prize money, take the few minutes and save yourself the embarrasment :)
  • netchik
    netchik Posts: 587 Member
    Another Duplicate :(
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    30 half marathons - never stopped to pee

    24 marathons - almost never stopped to pee (I think I did once at a really low key race in a park, empty bathroom was right on the course - was running at an easy pace anyway)

    I take an imodium before my races, and have never needed a make an unwanted stop in a portapotty
  • Legs_McGee
    Legs_McGee Posts: 845 Member
    I pee about 14 times before a race - I've never had to pee - or make any other pitstops (knock on wood) during a race - half or full marathon.
  • DisneyMommy
    DisneyMommy Posts: 281 Member
    14 1/2 marathons, always go before and never had to go during.

    During the fulls, I've gone a couple of times during. One little piece of advice I was given years ago by another female runner, always carry a little bit of TP with you during a race. You just may need it if the potty runs out!
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    I made all of my training runs without any issues having to stop. I went about 20-30 minutes before my full, but unfortunately had to stop at the 1/2 way point, because I'd been holding since mile 2. Even tho I was quick, it really makes me wonder when I was only 74 seconds from breaking the 4 hour mark.
  • CakeFit21
    CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
    I just ran my first half a week or so ago. I had to pee so bad at mile three I couldn't think straight. If you have to, just do it. Yes, the porta potties are disgusting. I had gone several times prior to the race so, I don't know what happened. Yep, it messed with my time. I lost about 5 minutes. That's life.
  • Justapartyofone
    Justapartyofone Posts: 31
    ...
  • sufikitkat
    sufikitkat Posts: 583 Member
    I held my pee from mile 3 until 10.5 because none of the portas were empty on the way haha. I only lost 30 seconds peeing not bad. I couldn't stand it any longer!!! Just go by your judgement. If all you start to think about is how much you have to pee you really should go then :-)
  • mrsgsnow
    mrsgsnow Posts: 7 Member
    Like everyone else, I go several times before - no problem for a half... For the full - I usually have to go at least once (more like twice) but potty stops are quick during the second half - i do carry my own TP and wipes cuz they are pretty gross...
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