Running and pooping

[Anonymous]

I am so embarrassed by this. I always have to poop on a run, which I know is normal, but I usually can't hold it in and have to stop running, no matter how far I am from home. I try to go before my run and I usually can get something out, but it still comes around the 3rd mile. My normal running path is a mile from my house so if I am on mile 3, I could be as far as two miles from home. Any advice? Last time I couldn't hold it and it was so embarrassing because I actually passed by a few people.

[Anonymous]

I am a runner and somehow I have trained myself to poop first thing upon waking - I run 30 min later after eating a banana and stretching.

You need a route that has a public park toilet at mile 2.5-3.5. If you are drinking coffee before your run, you need to get up much earlier and run pre-coffee. If you are not running first thing, then consider changing your schedule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so embarrassed by this. I always have to poop on a run, which I know is normal, but I usually can't hold it in and have to stop running, no matter how far I am from home. I try to go before my run and I usually can get something out, but it still comes around the 3rd mile. My normal running path is a mile from my house so if I am on mile 3, I could be as far as two miles from home. Any advice? Last time I couldn't hold it and it was so embarrassing because I actually passed by a few people.

Can you make a running path that hits your house by miles 2.5-3?

[Anonymous]

yep, easy answer, change your route to pass by a place to poop around mile 3.

you're welcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so embarrassed by this. I always have to poop on a run, which I know is normal, but I usually can't hold it in and have to stop running, no matter how far I am from home. I try to go before my run and I usually can get something out, but it still comes around the 3rd mile. My normal running path is a mile from my house so if I am on mile 3, I could be as far as two miles from home. Any advice? Last time I couldn't hold it and it was so embarrassing because I actually passed by a few people.

Wait — by couldn’t hold it — you mean you pooped in your pants???

I have a hyperactive bowel, which doc says is normal, but I’ve never had it that bad. I would see a GI, you probably have IBS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:yep, easy answer, change your route to pass by a place to poop around mile 3.

you're welcome.

This is your answer. I design my running routes to pass by a bathroom at mile 4. No big deal.

[Anonymous]

I time my runs so I wake up, immediately drink coffee, poop, then I go running. Coffee makes everything happen faster in the morning for me, so it works. If I try to go before coffee/poop, I am looking for a bathroom mid run.

[Anonymous]

I usually run in the evening because of this. Running on a treadmill is another option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I usually run in the evening because of this. Running on a treadmill is another option.

Also some gyms have indoor tracks, like TJ community center in Arlington

[Anonymous]

I could have written this post! My issue is I'm now on some hormone-suppressing drugs that make it difficult to hold pee and poop. And it's the walking/running/movement that kicks the urge into gear.

My whole life is now organized around the proximity to bathrooms. But do find myself pooping in nature at least 1x per week when I walk my dogs on trails.

Not much advice, only solidarity.

PS - Coffee shops and grocery stores are great for a pit stop.
Most pharmacies now keep their bathrooms locked. Gas station ONLY if an emergency

[Anonymous]

Pro tip: if your daily option is a park port a potty, bring some TP or tissues just in case. Don’t ask me how I know.

[Anonymous]

I drink coffee and eat a banana before my morning run. If my body isn't cooperating I make sure to run loops close to home or run a route with lots of port-a-potties.

[Anonymous]

Short term answer: Run with a bathroom en route.

Longer term answer: Train your body to go at a specific time, before your running time. You can do this with regular fiber and coffee use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Short term answer: Run with a bathroom en route.

Longer term answer: Train your body to go at a specific time, before your running time. You can do this with regular fiber and coffee use.

I drink coffee every morning, it does nothing. I also only poop once a week, if that. I eat a lot of fiber too, I'm a healthy eater.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Short term answer: Run with a bathroom en route.

Longer term answer: Train your body to go at a specific time, before your running time. You can do this with regular fiber and coffee use.

I drink coffee every morning, it does nothing. I also only poop once a week, if that. I eat a lot of fiber too, I'm a healthy eater.

WTH! My doc says you’re constipated if you don’t poop more than once a day.

I would die.