I'm a new runner, running about 3 miles a day, 3 times a week. I've found that running is an extremely efficient way to...clear me out, so to speak. It sucks to have to stop in the middle of a run in a residential neighborhood to go find a bathroom (or to have to walk home). As a result, I'm trying to avoid eating anything (except maybe a banana) in the morning, as well as to avoid eating too much the night before, with decent but not perfect success. Does this happen to anyone else? Any suggestions?
Forums » General Training » Running
A little embarassing
(9 posts)-
Posted 4 months ago #
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That's hilarious...but yeah, it's a common side effect so don't feel that you're abnormal. Usually for me though...it occurs AFTER I get home and more so after I shower. Not that the shower does anything...more of a time thing. Like my tummy settles.
What are you eating at night? Are you having coffee or anything in the morning beverage-wise? I wonder if it would actually HELP if you ate something...so your stomach has something to digest instead of wanting to purge right away. Like a piece of toast or something...perhaps steer away from fiber. You mentioned you occasionally ate a banana...they are FULL of fiber...and fiber makes ya poo!! So no banana til after... :)Posted 4 months ago # -
Thanks for the advice! To tell you the truth, I didn't realize bananas had so much fiber in them, though I guess I should have. Anyway, I guess I just have to keep experimenting.
Posted 3 months ago # -
Yeah...just stay away from FIBER! lol
Posted 3 months ago # -
Hmm...didn't know that about bananas having so much fiber (my usual pre workout food). I have this issue know and then. Will definitely experiment with some other foods.
Hate it when your having a good run and suddenly you find yourself akwardly power-walking home...with focused determination on your face...lol.
Anyway...
I read an article about this recently and I guess it's called "Runners Trots"...here are some tips they gave to deal with this. I am not sure how effective they are but just incase they help, here ya go...Dietary changes that may reduce or prevent runner's diarrhea include:
- Avoid eating for at least two hours before running.
- Drink plenty of fluids before and after exercise. Dehydration can lead to diarrhea.
- However, avoid warm liquids, which can speed food through the digestive tract.
- Avoid high-fat foods before running, which can contribute to diarrhea.
- Reduce fiber and gas-producing foods for at least one day before running. These include beans, bran, fruits and salad. If you run every day, you'll have to find a level of fiber that you can tolerate. Otherwise, you can eat high-fiber and gas-producing foods after you run.
- Limit or avoid caffeine, which stimulates the bowel, for three to six hours before running.
- Limit or avoid sweeteners called sugar alcohols, which stimulate the bowel, for at least one day before running. Sugar alcohols are most often found in sugar-free candies, gum and ice cream.
- If you're lactose intolerant, switch to lactose-reduced or lactose-free milk and milk products.Hope that helps...I figure if they have a name for it, it must be pretty common among other runners. :)
Posted 3 months ago # -
That's pretty funny...I was just reading the above WHILE inhaling raw broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots! lol Totally put that down right away as I have to run in the morning.
Man, that list pretty much leaves you with nuthin to eat prior to a run! I think just a simple piece of toast works well...at least for me. And luckily, no problems with a banana pre-run but I usually only do half.Posted 3 months ago # -
You actually DO get used to it, for the most part. I had this issue much worse when I was first running. One word to the wise...I never, and I mean NEVER run a race or long run without an Immodium tucked away with me. Seriously. You may never need it...but better to have it and not need it then to...well. Let's just say I've seen MANY runners on marathons who needed it, but obviously didn't have it. :( Sadness.
Posted 3 months ago # -
Good idea Msteechur! lol
I went to the gym today...but beforehand, I had a few bites of this protein type bar. When i got to the gym..had to sprint to the bathroom before I could get on the treadmill lol. Now I know. If i'm gonna eat AT ALL before my runs, I need to do so a good hour or so beforehand so if any, ahem, incident occurs, it does so prior to the run. lol
I still think, for me anyway, that a slice of toast works best.
Posted 3 months ago # -
I used to have this problem when I started running. I had a really embarassing accident after eating a banana. I have since decided not to eat them prior to running. I also found that I have a cup of coffee about an hour before I run that I am able to "clear the pipes" so to speak before I run. That proved to be extremely helpful. Though, it became a topic of humor among my son and husband. :)
Posted 2 months ago #
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