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Runners Trots

Ever heard that term before? Nope I didn't either...

I was contemplating whether I would blog about this problem or not because it is kind of a sensitive issue and I don't need every person knowing what is going on with my body, however I have learned that not enough people are talking about this problem...

So now you may be wondering what I am even talking about. I'm talking about Poop, people!!!


Perhaps I should buy one of these bags!
Oh and this is a 100% REAL product.

First I want to point out that there are always TONS of porta potties along race courses and I now understand why. My running regimen has amped up a bit over the last few weeks. Last week I ran about 15 miles, this week I will run 21 miles, and the mileage is only going to increase throughout the year. While out for my four mile run last week I had to take a side trip to the bathroom. The next day (3 miles) same thing. Then again the next day during a short 2 mile run. There is nothing more frustrating than having great momentum and then having to stop because you have to go the the bathroom.

I thought my problems were over today and simply attributed it to being off my game last week and not being 100% healthy, but the problem came back during my 5 miler today. Luckily I didn't have to divert to a bathroom mid run, but I certainly tried to get into the LOCKED public bathroom at about 4.5 miles. I called my sister to talk about this and she told me it is a common problem that happens to a lot of people. I couldn't believe it because when I talk to runners they talk about their achy joints, sore muscles, their runner's high, sore backs, boast about mileage in a week, and the list goes on. No one openly talks about the achy stomach, the rumbly intestines, the yearning for intestinal relief or the mad dash to the bathroom at the very end of a run, or the poop...

Well here I am talking about it. I am dealing with it and really need to figure out how to relieve this issue. My on-line 'research' has provided me with some strategies to fight this problem. In no particular order I have learned the following may help runners trots:

1) Stay hydrated
2) Avoid high fiber foods
3) Don't eat immediately before a run
4) Avoid dairy before a run
5) Take Imodium 1 hour before the run (although this should be in consultation with a doctor)

Let us all be real here, we all deal with some type of struggle and this is me being real. Over the next week I am going to try out these strategies and keep you posted on what works for me. If you have suffered from what I am now calling 'the trots' please share your tricks, I'm sure there are others reading who can benefit!!!

Comments

  1. Angie BradyMarch 7, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    I'm so laughing about this post! There will be no skeletons left in your closet when this year ends. This same thing happens to me during retail therapy. Running? Shopping? Is there any conection?

    ReplyDelete

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