Running & bowel movements!

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

I run a couple of times a week (cycle other days) but can never manage more than about 30 or 40 minutes before needing the loo!. I never need to go before a run but 10/15mins in I start to feel the need then have to come home again or tailor my route so I'm not too far from home. Any suggestions?

No answer but I know where you are coming from! watching with interest!

Are you running at the same time of day? Is it your first or second bowel movement?

Running does help with moving things along so possibly work out when you are due to go to the loo and run afterwards. Or run at a different time and if this still makes you want to go then do a figure of eight run so you can come home and go to the loo and continue your run.

This is the reason I can't train for a marathon! Cant run more than an hr without issues. I read that immodium before and after is a good plan. Have a 16 miles race in sept so will test this in summer!

Immodium before you run. Run on as empty stomach as you can manage. No tea/coffee before you run. I feel your pain! Immodium has helped me through many a half and full marathon. I'm a lot better now with practice and experience but when I first started running a race would put me out of action for 24 hrs with massive stomach issues. I actually have a prescription anti-spasmodic that my doctor has given me specifically for racing - luckily I have sports-friendly GP!!!

Yes, same here.

i tend to run in the mornings, so get up early enough to eat a light breakfast - which then gets things 'moving'.

If I have to go out and run prior to the loo then I feel very heavy and things can get uncomfortable.

I tend to go out around 6:30pm when DH gets home & usually have something light to eat whilst cooking the kids tea around 5 so will try holding off on my run days. I'm not very regular with my movements but not into running enough to do anything too drastic (only do it as it's the only exercise I can fit into those days) and the other days I can go out in the morning when I don't seem to have the same problem.

I run first thing. I drink a pint of water before I go which makes me need a poo. No way I could run without that.

Don't use Imodium more than occasionally in this way, it wont't do your bowels any good at all!

I did use it before my marathon and would again for races but not for normal running.

I have terrible digestive issues when running. Lots of things trigger me off, so to speak......caffeine, dairy, even just anxiety of a long run.

I've not stopped my problems but learned to live with it. It's always my long run and normally within the first 2 miles so I detour to use a route that includes public loos if I think I will need it. I hate it because I prefer my long runs off road but needs must.

I tend to run in the mornings and always eat toast before hand. The day I ate yoghurt prior to my run was a disaster

I think it's just identifying your trigger foods and avoiding them. You may not stop it completely but it may settle.

What if you had a strong coffee and a run up the stairs an hour before you went out? Not a runner here but might help to preempt the issue.

My body has calmed down since I twigged that dairy was a trigger. I'd already worked out that my body is not a fan of soya. When DS went milk, egg and soya free, my (sporadic) IBS calmed down.

My digestive system ruined the second half of my first HM. Most of the last 3 miles had to be walked because the jarring and digestive cramps really did not mix well.