DO NOT search Medline about this!!
I have just found some horrible case reports about marathon runners and gut problems.
One article tells me that 13% of runners experience faecal incontinence when running, and 47% have to stop for a number two
So Im not alone
But theres no advice as to how to stop it, and the most up to date article seems to be 1998
Hmmmmm
0 ·
Comments
I just have to do a loop around home before I go on a training run - pop home and then off again - but if not, I use imodium
W
3 miles if I turn back or 5 if I keep going .. I am so glad I turned back .. had to walk quite a bit to let tummy settle..
I had been eating mints ... these tend to have a bad effect .. maybe next time I should remind myself of the obvious.
Normally I would not take immodium as people tend to speak ill of having to wait a week !!! (information from another thread on old forum) but try the cheaper varieties .. I use safeways own ... work for a few hours.. which is really what all I need.
DD
Carbing up pre-run with a wholemeal roll and a very ripe mango probably didn't help, although my gut transit time is usually more than an hour.
Ruth, you good girl, using Medline for your research on this topic! The statistic is really that seven out of eight runners can safely wear pale-coloured shorts without elasticated legs.
And thats without eating anything!!
Wait till i talk to me gastro mates, you never know, some poor sod might have had to do an MD in this
Now theres an idea--
W
Trouble is , most of them are strangers to exercise and think Im mad
Can only run on empty ti=ummy in am, no time
but doesnt stop trotskies!!
think Ill do 2 part runs(sorry) as previosly suggested, I cant live on Immodium!!
This does not happen if Im not running!!
i always thought they were well trained until i started running
I mean it doesnt get in the way of a 48 hour shift
Trying to "go" before you run - in training for FLM this year, most running was at 6.30-8 am and there was never trouble if I'd paid a proper visit prior to heading off out of the door.
Trying to avoid coffee or tea prior to the run (or, if during the day, paying attention to how many cups I'd really had, which could number rather a few on a cold day) - these were definitely a source of discomfort.
Trying not to make massive changes to the main meal of the day. Breakfast was always fairly stable in style - cereal based (flakes of something or bread derivative) and lunch too (sandwiches of sorts). Issues came around dinner if, say, I'd done a meat and veg regularly, a change to pizza would set the internal washing machine stomach feeling going short distances into any subsequent run (extending to the next day). My stomach appeared happy bouncing familiar stuff round for a run, but would want to be rid of anything unfamiliar.
...still took Immodium twice (cranleigh 21 and FLM)...just in case...
Another forumcrisps addict?
hurrah!
But peanuts are protein and tortilla chips and twiglets are carbs.
I've been kind of watching the cramp-and-trot situation because whether or not I have any bother seems to be fairly random and not related to what I've eaten or when I last "went". The last few episodes have definitely been on runs after bad days at work. I wonder whether they're just a variation on the stress-related IBS which I occasionally get. My weekend runs are always pitstop-free.
Have tried all sorts of diets, tried cutting our dairy products, at first it seemed to work and then.......I now wonder how much is in the mind.
If you find a cure, please let me know
Whizzy
I play a lot of football and find that my body tells me half an hour before that it's time to go. This is what another health magazine has to say on the subject.
"To prepare for the big match your body dilates its muscles to give your veins and arteries more space so that extra blood and adrenalin can get through," says John Brewer from Lilleshall Sports Injury Centre.
This also has the side effect of loosening your anal sphincter muscle, explaining the sudden attraction of the white porcelain.
But this has its advantages.
"Everybody knows the light feeling they get after emptying their bowels, and losing a couple of pounds really shows on the field," John says.
Another thing to bear in mind when you exercise is that your heart, brain and muscles attract the lion's share of your blood, so if you still have some undigested matter in your intestine, it can lead to stomach aches and cramps.
"Try to avoid protein and fat rich meals the night before a big match to give your bowels a break," John says.
Perhaps you need to actually think about going for a run an hour or so before you go. That way your body will start preparing itself for it.
The way I deal with it is to plan all my routes via McDonalds. God bless McDonalds toilets (although some of them aren't particularly godly)
Whizzy
I do not go for a run unles I have been beforehand (within the last 4 hours). On race days my nerves seem to get me going anyway so that is OK.
Sometimes I will go for a warm-up of 5-10 mins as other people have suggested and then back to the house for a quick read of the newspaper.
John
This on ly happens whwn i run
Seems to be a separate problem
The queues for the chemical loos were 45 minutes at GNR, so i wasnt taking any chances
For training runs (which are mostly for me in the country) just accept it will happen, understand its VERY biodegrable and look out for dog walkers! Always feels tons lighter once its over!
Have you tried the Artichoke tablets yet?
If so, do they work?
Like I said elsewhere, am using roasted fennel seeds. Half a teaspoon with a meal.
Have to buy fennel seeds and roast them yourself though.
Works 90% of the time. Not sure why they don't when they don't if you know what I mean. Will keep investigating.
not yet
ta for reminding me to stock up om immodium tho