awkward running question

I started running this summer and am not doing too shabby. But, I have a problem.

Most of the time I go running by the time I get home I have some serious cramps and am practicly racing for the toilet. Yes indeed. nasty ol pooh problems.

Am I over hydrating myself before running? i only drink about 2 cups of water. Or am I under hydrated? or could it be something else.

I don't want to quit running but I also don't want to be 2 miles from home and need to go. (and a treadmill/running inside isn't an option for me)

Any input is greatly appreciated.

I have experienced the same thing a couple of times....do you have any other digestive problems that you've noticed while you arent running??

no none at all

ok...I do experience problems now and then ( i think its IBS) but i have to visit my doc anyway. Sounds like a question to research on the net =)

hmm basically google has told me it may be that I'm dehydrated or just something I have to live with. Also to basically give up fruit and fibre-rich foods (I'll do no such thing!) haha

Thanks tho, nice to know Im not alone

I found a pretty good answer....heres the link

I have so much problems with diarhea running or not.  It is very frustrating.  i have given up caffeine but refuse to give up fruits and vegtables as I am pretty much a vegetarian.  I have had tests wtih no results. Very frutrating!!

Coming from someone who has IBS and multiple other stomach issues, I wouldn't be surprised if your urgency has to do with the burning of calories and your body trying to get rid of the toxins.  I'm one to become nauseated if I work out too hard.  A friend of mine has a similar problem with massages.  They feel great, but they release a lot of the bad stuff and she ends up with a migraine following one.

How soon do you eat before you run?

I've noticed the same problem.  Typically when I am done running my next stop before the shower is the toilet.  I try and take a poo before I run if possible to reduce the likelyhood of this, but that doesn't alway work.  I've always assumed that all that bouncing around inside of me was triggering it. 

This is really common for runners (my favorite story is this guy I know who used to go out running, and often came back with one sock -- ew!) and my personal opinion is that it ramps up the metabolism for the period of time that you are running, which causes the need to poo.  The good news is that if you keep running, eventually you will figure out a system that works and you'll rarely have a problem anymore.

You should eat more fiber, not less, because fiber keeps you regular; or in other words, if you are regular you will know when your daily poo comes and you can plan your run for afterwards.  I always try to go a few hours before I run.  Also, two cups of water is all you drink for the whole day?  That way too little, try to up it to closer to 80 ounces per day.

In the short term, what I used to do before I figured out my own solution was to walk or slow my pace until the feeling passed.  I would walk or slow my pace before the feeling got so bad that I really needed to go, and it would pass fairly quickly, and then I would speed up again.

Drinking more water can help.   I had this problem more when I pushed myself too hard for too long on the track in the hot sun.   Eventually my body has become more conditioned to running and this problem did stop.  But a really hot sunny day could trigger it again.

So keep on running.  I think this is normal, just drink more water and see if it goes away in a week or two as you get more into running.

I always thought it was just me.

When ever I get done playing alot of games DDR on heavy ..I get reallllllyyy bad cramps and have to poops..which is always bad because I"m in the mall :(. I figured since I was jumping al my poops went down to the butt and was like "time to come out" ..haha

oh no no... not just 2 cups a day. I drink water all day.. usually 8 to 10 cups. But right before I run I drink an extra 2 cups.

Usually the last time I eat before I run is 3-4 hours before, but occasionally I'll drink my protein shake before (like 45 minutes before) instead of after if I don't think I have enough fuel in me to do the run.

Thanks for all the answera everyone!

oh and night, its been several months... and I was hoping it'd calm itself down a bit the longer I was at it, but it seems the longer distance im able to go the more I've .... er....  got to go.

This is a common problem amongst runners, especially long distance runners.  It is really important to analyze your diet and try to figure out what will help prevent the "code brown".

I suspect your protein shake.  I have found that dairy(except for yogurt) before running is not a good idea for me.  If I were you, I would stick to water or orange juice as a pre-run drink.  Orange juice is ideal for hot weather running, it is higher in potassium.

If you are running long (10+ miles), do eat something that is easy on the stomach.
What I like is a slice of whole wheat bread with honey on it.

good luck with figuring this out, it is a very common problem.

oh, make sure your route has a potty (or some bushes)available!

Original Post by ceres:

oh no no... not just 2 cups a day. I drink water all day.. usually 8 to 10 cups. But right before I run I drink an extra 2 cups.

If you are adequately hydrated, there really is no need to drink extra water right before you head out. Try doing without that and see if it helps.

How long are you out and when does "it" start to happen? I have "symptoms" at about the one hour point. I make sure I have access to facilities at that time. It's just easier than anything else, although I've "gone natural" more than once. A dry, bark-less stick is the best choice for, um, clean up. Way better than leaves and favored by wilderness backpackers/campers.

I seem to be all right as long as I avoid fiber-rich foods in the hour or two before I go running.

It's helpful to run in areas where you could run in for a stop if necessary.  A little planning can really pay off!

Oh this happens to me too so it has been helpful reading this thread! Not to mention comforting knowing its not just me!

The thing is people always say its common with long distance runners, but I dont even do that much of a distance and systematically I need the loo after 2k!

My only solution so far is to run the 2k near home go to the loo then continue with the actual run! It is just frustrating that it interupts. Afterwards I can run on no problems.

Personally I think its the extra muscle work in the stomach area, the deep muscles not the surface muscle, that causes everything to move through quickly!

i used to have the EXACT same problem!!!!!!!!

i went to see my doctor he recommeded cutting out my high fibre intake before i went running as well as the coffee (coffee stimulates your digestive tract as well) ....if you are snacking before running try BANANAS - they still pack all the energy and carbs but they are very slowly processed in the body so they don't make your digestive tract work on overload while you run....

as well there are some things you can't prevent ...running promotes peristalsis....the working of the muscles along your digestive tract. 

continue to drink water!!!! having "runners trots" actually may also be linked to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances....when you run you sweat a lot (ie...sodium is pumped out....and your body goes into shock)...i would recommend maybe drinking some tomato juice/gatorade/vitamin water...this really helped me....to keep electrolytes in check

by the way...there is hope....i used to get this problem every time i run...no i maybe get it once every 2 months after running a marathon!! haha

Don't drink a protein shake right before your run, eat some carbs in a low fiber presentation, try to train your body to go before you run.

good luck!