Toileting Issues and Running a Marathon

[mamacoast]

I've been training for my first marathon for 6 months. It is just 2 weeks away. Over the last 2 weeks, I've really needed to go for a number 2 whilst I've been running, and sometimes up to 3 times over a 30-32k run.

I've been advised to take Imodium fast melts by a pharmacist. 2 tablets, 2 hours before and then as needed whilst on the run. This has helped slightly, I only needed to go at the 16k mark yesterday and was fine for the last 5k.

Any advice I should consider? Could my GP prescribe a more effective medication?

Thank you for your time. X This is a real worry now.

Do they not have toilets available on the route? It's not uncommon for running to get things moving.

I can't think of anything else I could or would safely prescribe for this. Have you looked on any marathon running websites I briefly saw something online about this today ... caught my eye as my daughter is doing the London marathon too and had this exact same problem...she ran into a b&b and used the loo.

I had exactly the same issue and would regularly stop 4-5 times during training runs. Took imodium before the marathon and I think just the nerves of the day kept it all at bay. Most routes do have plenty of toilets although it's not ideal to have to stop I know!

are you/can you run fasted?
says she who runs 10k max
I find that I get an urge after a while when my last meal was too close to a run.

Yes there are toilets. My concern is I won't make it or there will be a queue.

I shall look at running forums, websites etc.

Any wise words of advice or positive experiences wise running Mumsnetters?

purplesequins, I just have 2 slices of toast before my long runs. I'll try to eat 2 hours before the start of the run.

I used to take the normal Imodium after going to the loo pre-marathon and that was enough.
Have you been using any gels or drinks when running?

I took two Imodium before my marathon and didn't go at all.

I think some gels and drinks can speed the bowel up a bit. I don't remember which ones.

I have run half marathons and only had 1 race where I thought I would be caught out. The urge was actually from a combination of worry I would crap myself, running motion and the onset of a 36hr flu type bug (ended up in bed a few hours later for 36hrs it was horrible)

The reality is that you will most likely get to a toilet. It will be fine.

But in the event you find yourself in a stretch of route nowhere near a toilet, put some nappy bags/dog poo bags, small pack of tissues and anti bad wipes in your running belt/bag. Worst case scenario is find a bush to go behind (you will most likely not be the first), crap in a bag, wipe yourself and your hands, then double and triple bag it and deposit in nearest bin.

Sometimes The Fear makes the poo crawl back up until you've crossed the finish line and found more toilets.

In the next fortnight you can always train yourself to go to the toilet first thing - wake up and drink strong coffee, do s One squats and you'll be off to the toilet. Do this every morning and by race day, it will be habit. Then no worries for the race.

I've never crapped in a bag but I have done the coffee and morning habit one

Probably too late for this as you'd need to get adapted to fasted running, but I recently ran my first marathon but my own route/schedule so easier to control. Up 30 mins before start and strong black coffee which helps get things moving before leaving the house. Then I ran half fasted, banana at 20 k then a few gels over the next 20k. So nothing much in that needed to come out!

emummy, I've been using sis gels, not the caffeine ones.

ParishSpinster, thank you for all of your advice. I don't drink coffee but will try the squats/do Pilates first thing to establish a morning habit. i'll take the bags and wipes too.😨 X

I have dreadful runners diarrhoea.
Went three times in 7km run today.

I have done half Marathons and am training for full.
I was very worried, but found it just didn't happen on event day... I took codeine tablets that I had had prescribed for something else.
Also took immodium

Therejellybean, it's a dreadful feeling isn't it? Both the anticipation and finding a loo whilst out running. X

Try a squirt of Bart’s calming rescue remedy too as nerves / stress is a terrible trigger for IBS and you’ll naturally be worrying about it. Maybe try changing your breakfast too?

I've been using sis gels, not the caffeine ones
SIS gels are awful for upsetting stomachs, but too late to change your strategy now.

What works for me is very strong black coffee with ice cubes in it before the race, to completely clear me out. It's fast acting, so be ready! I've never needed to go during a race after using that particular technique. I don't take imodium or anything either.

Also, what time are you aiming for? If you just want to finish then don't stress about it, and use the toilets en route. If you're going for a time, you may need to practise your strategy..

A word of caution - I know lots of people find a caffeine clear out works, but personally I find it makes things so much worse (nasty cramps even when empty!) so that's definitely something to try out before race day. Keeping a food diary over time will help you work out what your triggers are longer term - I cut out caffeine altogether, and touch wood that seems to have solved the problem unless I eat too close to a run or wear a waist belt that presses on my stomach.

Went three times in 7km run today

Where?!

fellrunnet85, there are no time pressures. I just want to complete my first marathon and enjoy it, without having an embarrassing toilet issue.

emmathedilemma, I'll try rescue remedy. Thank you.

UnaOfStormhold, good idea re food diary. It's just become an issue in the last few weeks but will cut out fibre and dairy to try and help.

Have you thought about changing up what you’re fuelling with? I found some of the gels worse than others for giving me the squits, and jelly babies were the worst!

I think it's fructose that's known for giving the runs? Could be wrong though!

I took 2 immodium before running london in 2019. No issues at all apart from having to stop for a wee at 1km!! If you are running london there are lots of toilets, they get grosser the further along you are.

FWIW Gels always gave me the runs!! I stopped them and stopped needing the toilet during races. I always take 2 Imodium just before just in case, but no issues.
Gels are terrible generally. Maybe too late to change fuelling options but for future reference try proper food. IMO

Also, if you’re taking gels are you drinking water with them too? They can have a worse effect on your stomach if you don’t wash them down.