Kind of a gross question, but I'm hoping for a solution. I am a morning exerciser (2 months and counting after a 2 year hiatus). I prefer to run outside (as opposed to treadmill) when the weather permits. Problem is, many days, I get about a mile to 2 miles from home (been running total of 2-4 miles) and I have to have a BM. If I'm at the Y, no big deal--I just take a break. But outside, then I force myself to hold it, or I stop and walk and usually it will ease up (although I still always have to go when I get home). I know exercise/movement does get the bowels going. But short of forcing myself in the morning before I leave (which is not healthy either, and often nothing happens), any other options?? Getting up earlier to give my body time to get "moving" is not much of an option, as I already get up at 5:15; evening work-outs are MUCH LESS desirable, as that is when I spend time with my girls, as they "sleep in" and are NOT morning kiddos. (I work full time). This does not occur when I am just out for a bike ride; and not as often if I am on the cross-trainer. It's just frustrating! I am hoping to run some "races" and I'd hate to spend the money and have to walk or use a port-a-potty half way through. FOLLOW UP: It is not diarrhea though; just a solid BM
I always have to use the restroom in the morning after i take a drink of water. if i dont drink anything, i usually can wait to use it a little later, but the minute i take a drink, it moves my bowels. I'm wondering if you wake a little earlier and drink a glass right away, maybe that will move you and you can get it out of the way before you run.... just an idea to try.
same thing happens to me. it doesn't help to "go" any earlier in the morning. i guess that i just grin and bear it as it's inevitable. most the time the feeling passes and i can keep on running. oh, what if you walk it off, so to speak? good luck.
I am regular BM goer myself and found that if I watch the clock it is pretty much the same time everyday. Keep in eye on the clock and see if it is the same time everymorning that way you can coordinate your running & bathroom time so that you aren't miserable when you running.
BTW on a recent post it said a BM after every meal?? I don't believe that is normal according to my physician, age and health status can determine the number that you have. The normal healthy person who eats correctly will only go once daily or even every other day is considered normal. Others more or less depending on their physical make up.
I have no solution, but sympathize. Same thing happens to me and I don't know how to prevent it. Hope someone else has a good suggestion!
Runner's diarrhea is common especially with marathon runners. There are some strategies to try to control it. Here's what the Mayo Clinic says about it:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/runners-diarrhea/AN00376
and
http://www.ehow.com/how_###-###-####_prevent-runners-diar...
Hi M.,
You're right, exercise does get you moving. A healthy individual should have a bowel movement about one hour after EVERY meal. If you're not having them this regularly, then you probably needs some additional help. If you get them on this schedule you should be able to time your runs after your BM and before your next meal. If you skip a meal your body should skip the BM.
I'll be glad to elaborate further if you're interested.
M.
The other suggestions work well (eg coffee), but I used to plan my morning runs so that halfway I'd find myself near a port a potty or other facility.
When I ran in the country, I had no problem stepping off the trail and doing the BM in the woods, like nature intended. (I brought tissues and buried the evidence, of course.)
I also run every morning. I have a system that works great for me - I get up and have a cup of coffee (or a can of Starbuck's Doubleshot) which gets my bowels moving. I have a quick BM and head out the door for a run (2-5 miles). Sometimes I have to have another BM when I get back, but it isn't enough to be uncomfortable while I am running. If you don't want to do the coffee, you might try a smoothie - I sometimes take a break from coffee, and then instead I will have a smoothie made with frozen bananas and cherries, spinach leaves, and water. Even water may be enough to get things started.
I had this same issue really bad when I was running mornings last year so I made sure not to eat after 7:30 at night. This helped me. I haven't been running mornings this year since my husband is up at 4am for work and I can't handle that early of a morning.
Good luck!
You cannot stop the digestion process find/make a pit stop along your path or change that path to hit a rest area.. Its very healthy for you to have a BM so dont go stopping it and making things worse, try running around a block and circle back to the house then have your BM and continue on with your run.
I am a morning exerciser (when I do exercise...) and a morning "bathroom" user. If I am walking (not at running yet) outside, I just make sure I walk where I have access to a port a potty or go close to home so I can stop for a "pit stop" and continue on. I understand how you feel!
S.
Can you do a 2 part run? Small loop by your home FIRST, bathroom, and then start your large loop.
Hi M.,
I'll be curious to see your answers. I don't have this same problem exactly, but I'm a runner too recently and I get side cramps from digestion issues. I'm am considering starting back up on Probiotics to see if that helps with the situation. I have also come home from a run before and had terrible stomach aches (diarrhea, etc). I think all the jarring and bouncing can really mess things up.
Maybe include more fiber in your diet so your going more often and don't feel the need to go in the morning? I am working on that as well. Check out Runner's World from the local library, I'm sure they have probably broached this topic before :)
Good luck!
