SummitPost.org

[Disclaimer: This is a somewhat gross post related to bodily functions, I've tried to avoid obscenity.]

I like to run in the mornings. Not only is it cooler during the summer months, but it's the only time of day I really control my schedule. Unpredictable amounts of work, not to mention social activities, can pop up during lunch or in the evenings after work, throwing my whole schedule off. I find, however, that while I'm able to get from bed to hitting the trail in 15 minutes, this really doesn't give my bowels sufficient time to do their thing. They're simply uncooperative in the mornings. But a couple of miles into my run they definitely come to life. (Just to be clear, without being graphic, the problem is lightening my load before I go running, not any digestive issues.) This means that my runs involve a whole lot of sphincter clenching, the occasional shart, though as yet no total loss of control. I have nightmares about having to take dump alongside the trail and ending up wiping myself with poison ivy.

Does anyone else have this problem, or know of a solution? I don't have the time to wake up an hour or two before my run so that my intestines can warm up and do their thing. I've tried eating dinner earlier and that didn't seem to help much, but I'm also unable to do that on regular basis. Short of exlax, does anybody have any suggestions for how to take care of this aspect of my running preparations?

Do you drink coffee? It does have some laxitive type qualities.

I used to be a morning runner. I would grab a cup of coffee and drink it on the 10-15 minute drive to the trailhead. By the time I got to the trailhead I was ready to use the trailhead facilities.

Tonka wrote:Do you drink coffee? It does have some laxitive type qualities.

No, I strongly dislike coffee. Is it the caffeine that has laxative qualities? I do drink tea, but rarely before going off for a run...

blazin wrote:

Tonka wrote:Do you drink coffee? It does have some laxitive type qualities.

No, I strongly dislike coffee. Is it the caffeine that has laxative qualities? I do drink tea, but rarely before going off for a run...

Is your dislike for coffee as bad as your dislike for leaking out the anus while running

Tea works like coffee for me. Not sure if it's just a routine thing or what but if I eat/drink then i'm usually ready to go by the time I hit the TH facilities.

I learn so much from SP. It's an extraordinary resource.

Carry on.

http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2009/03/pre-run-coffee-yes-please.html

I think you're better off having a cup of coffee every morning about an hour and a half prior to your run... for the above mentioned reasons. The reason I say an hour and a half is that if I run too quickly after drinking coffee, it tends to give me acid reflux... which can be really uncomfortable... enough to ruin a run.

I used to have the same problem. Not anymore. I can run all day.

battledome wrote:I think you're better off having a cup of coffee every morning about an hour and a half prior to your run...

blazin wrote:I don't have the time to wake up an hour or two before my run

I think Metamucil might be the way to go...I don't use it regularly, but those I talk to who do say it's a very consistent delay between taking it and passing it all through. Unfortunately, that delay is not consistent from person to person, so you'll have to "dial it in." You can start by trying it the night before.

Best thread in a long time!

our dog has the same problem.

You could try an adult diaper!

rpc wrote:our dog has the same problem.

Acid reflux after drinking coffee?

I'd go in the woods. problem solved.