Yesterday I had my first experience of 'runners trots'...

[cheapandcheerful]

What the heck IS it with that???

I didn't even know it was a THING!!!

...until I got home and googled it after doing the mother of all poos

[MrsMook]

I've found that I have to avoid dairy in the hours before and after runs. I've been much better since then.

My HM time should be easy to smash now I don't have to visit each portaloo!

[GlowWine]

Ah yes, I have been known to emergency cut short a run and stop off at home (if on a circular route 'round the block'), or only just make it home, had to walk the last bit and clench... . Didn't know that there was a word for it though! Now I find that doing the running first thing in the morning before breakfast means I'm less prone to it.

[lastqueenofscotland]

don't eat breakfast and make sure you before if you run early!
Also i think gels etc if you use them make it worse.
Weirdly never get it if i go in the evening.

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

It's hideous, I've run for a few years and still suffer regularly.

I avoid caffeine and dairy before a long run. I know within a mile or two if I'm going to be in trouble normally so I'll adjust my route to one with loos if necessary. I hate when I've planned a lovely off road run and have to divert but it's better than being caught short.

I fell over once while racing home for the loo. Really injured myself too Oddly enough the urge passed as I was lying on the floor in a heap of pain and blood

[cheapandcheerful]

In a way it's reassuring that it's not just me, but also discouraging that there doesn't seem to be much of a solution (other than stopping running or keeping tedious food diaries).

It was so horrid the other day. The stomach cramps were so bad and I nearly had to go in a bush ...

[lastqueenofscotland]

One thing that tends to help (though probably if you only get it in long runs...) is high carb low fibre stuff? So mac and cheese/white toast etc

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

Over time you just tend to learn what triggers it. I don't pay much attention to what I eat for breakfast except on long run days when I always eat toast or crumpets. And I avoid wine the night before my long run.

I often think for me it's just anxiety about my long run. Will I make the distance, legs feel tired kind of thing.....Which is a bit daft because I normally run the same distance and always do it, but I think it's subconscious and it triggers my digestion.

[26Point2Miles]

Imodium is your friend ladies..

[Doyouthinktheysaurus]

No, it really isn't 26point2. I suffer week in, week out from runners trots, taking Imodium regularly would mess up my bowels big time.

I took immodium before my marathon and I'll do it again next time but that's it. It really cannot be good to take it frequently. I didn't poo for a week after my marathon

[cheapandcheerful]

Well last night I nervously went out for my first run since last week's horrid experience and I was fine. I am really worried about it happening again though... Thankfully last time I was only 5 mins away from home when it kicked in but next time?

[ChrissieLatham]

I had this experience this evening and it totally ruined my run as had to walk. However wanted to run so I could get home earlier! Was so desperate to go in a bush but just my luck a dog walker would probably come along!

[KarenVivian]

I have a big problem with this. Its usually worse in the evening and recently I have taken to making sure there is a loo on my run about 25 minutes into it. But this is a bit annoying as I like doing cross country routes which don't have handy loos en route. I want to do a race later this year that's going to take longer than that and am wondering how to manage it.

I tried taking a mild laxative to make sure I'd gone before I started IYSWIM but that left me feeling a bit dehydrated and not like running at all.