Running and Gastric Anomalies

NikkiP80
NikkiP80 Posts: 17
edited December 19 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi - this may be a sensitive topic, but after a bit of google research I think its more common than not. I started running in January this year and now that I'm running for longer (I'm working on getting to the 10km mark currently), I find that I am struggling not because of sore legs, or that I'm out of breathe, but because of lower abdomen cramps and a desperate need to take a bathroom break. Only trouble is this usually happens when I'm a fairway from home without any public toilets and in the suburbs where I can't very well go behind a tree.

My partner who is a great runner suffers from these occasionally and we've coined the term gastric anomaly for ease of conversation, but its starting to make me nervous about going running, which undoubtedly makes the whole situation worse. I usually like to get up an run first thing in the morning and head out without eating anything. My partner suggested trying to force the issue before I leave the house but so far no luck with that, my body doesn't seem to want to co-operate.

I eat a pretty healthy, hi-fibre diet with lots of fruite, vegetables, low-GI whole-grain carbs and lean protein so I don't think its anything particular in my diet, but rather a body conditioning issue. Any ideas of what I can do to sort the situation out would be greatly appreciated...

Replies

  • LilRedRooster
    LilRedRooster Posts: 1,421 Member
    Well, besides setting up your run around pit stops at gas stations and port-a-potties, there might not be much else you can do.

    I don't normally have issues with that, because my stomach is pretty stable in general, but there have been some runs, especially in the summer, where I've been forced to either head far off-road in the woods, or dash to the nearest gas station restroom. For me, it was just when I would try and combine too much fruit or dairy with a run too soon afterward. Bad news bears..

    For you, it sounds like running is just what gets you moving. I don't know what you've tried to get yourself going before runs, but is there anything that makes you go that's ingestible? For me, if I have a cup of coffee, within about 20mins, I'm ready to head in and think about life with the newest edition of "Runner's World". Other than perhaps experimenting with things that'll make you go sooner, like coffee, you might just want to try and get friendly with your suburban neighbors or local restaurant owners. Bars are usually pretty nice about letting you in if you ask nicely. (Not that I've ever had to do that..)
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    Yep I run in the morning without eating too... but I do have a cup of coffee to *hopefully* get things going. Mind you, I don't go every day, so it's hit or miss for me. Most days are just fine. Occasionally I'll have a crappy run (pardon the pun).

    Try easing up on the fiber the night before. Maybe if you cycle fiber earlier in the day and less at night you can get your bowels regular at some other time of day (night maybe?).

    I have a friend who ran the Marathon des Sables in Morocco... like 200km across the desert, and he ran with a little coffee burner/maker to keep himself regular lol.

    It may not be much help, but this happened way more frequently when I was new to running. Hardly at all anymore.
  • ktbia
    ktbia Posts: 118 Member
    This is exactly what happens to me. I have gone in the woods, behind bushes.. seriously, it's horrible.
    I usually run around a park by my house so if I have to go, the bathrooms are never that far. I worry bad about my long runs.

    I tried to go before my half marathon and couldn't.. ended up in the porta potty line at Mile 4, I was so irritated!!
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