Running ... and poo ... TMI! (no, really!)

[NotQuiteCockney]

Ok, I'm a bit IBS-ish.

And I like to run.

Normally, I make sure I eat, then wait 2 hours, then I can run just fine.

But if I try to run first thing in the morning, I always struggle, and end up spending a large part of my run worrying about getting caught out etc etc. There are no public loos open that early on my route, and I'd rather avoid stopping, anyway.

I used to find eating a little bit of yogurt made sure I had a good poo before leaving the house, and didn't have a problem, but I'd rather avoid eating before running ... are there any other fixes?

My dh is like this NQC - I don't have any advice though, sorry. If he's running early he just has to get up extra early so he 'goes' before he goes. IYKWIM.

I have the opposite problem running is the only thing that keeps me regular.

Running does keep me regular, it's really great for my gut. But it makes me need to go fairly sharpish, iyswim.

Sorry, I don't have any advice, but just wanted you to know that you are not alone - this is a problem that I also have from time to time...

Maybe I should try running up and down the stairs before going? Or maybe go back to having a yogurt, it seems counterintuitive or something, but it did mean I would go, properly, and be done with it.

Its very common and is even called Runners Tummy. I dont suffer but DH does and has had to go in bush before!! No real solution apart from timing it right. Maybe look on Runners World website for more tips, think there are some threads on there.

Immodium before setting out (half a dose)? Or is it not a good idea to take that on too regular a basis? I tend to take it as a precaution when I know I'm going to be out of reach of a loo for a while.

I used to have the exact same problem, but it happens very rarely now, because when I wake up, I immediately drink about 500mls of tepid or warm water (not cold as this just gives more problems!) andwait for 20 mins or so while I get my kit on. Then make sure you go and sit on the loo a couple of times before you head out. That should eliminate anything hanging around in there.

Maybe avoid dairy for a while and see if it helps as lactose intolerance would definately make this worse.

I don't think I could take immodium on a regular basis.

Yeah, I know it's a common problem, it's a very annoying one!

Might try the warm water thing, that might get things moving without causing problems.

I do have some lactose intolerance, but have found that cutting out dairy makes me more sensitive. So I have a consistent (fairly low) level of lactose in my diet.