I take a dose of miralax after a run. It helps me get out whatever is there until the next run. I also know about two miles in is my toilet time, so I watch for signs of needing to go, and will head home if needed.

I feel like I struggle with this sometimes in the summer, and definitely chalk it up to the heat/humidity.

Make sure you are consistently hydrated all day/every day, and eat enough salt. Slow down, and shorten your runs if you need to. The swampy weather can really take a lot out of you even if you don't feel it right away.

But also agree with timing your meals so you poop first thing in the morning before your run.

Anonymous wrote:I need to run on a completely empty stomach- either first thing in the morning or 2 hours after eating/drinking, including water. I was getting cramps with every run before I started doing this.

If you are running in the DC area humidity, have you tried sports drink or salt tabs?

I have trained my body to have bowel movements as soon as I wake up. I eat a fairly high fiber diet full of veggies and grains. I run first thing in the morning. If I am running East and less than 45 min, I usually run fasted. If I am doing speed work or running longer, I usually eat a banana and/or a plain eggo waffle or plain piece of toast. No issues in my 30+ years of running.
I save my coffee for when I get home from my run.

How many miles do you run? Would it help if you decrease the number of miles?

I also run on an empty stomach. Totally prevents cramping and sluggishness.

I need to run on a completely empty stomach- either first thing in the morning or 2 hours after eating/drinking, including water. I was getting cramps with every run before I started doing this.

Yes, I had these issues. What helped me was to stop running. I know I know that's not what you want to hear. But I my body just didn't do well with running - knee issues, foot issues, and GI issues. Finally gave it up and get my exercise in ways that don't hurt my body so much.

Good luck OP!

Yep. I had some really bad problems last year, during runs.

I talked to my doctor. We did a trial of the FODMAPS diet to see if there were any triggers -- it turns out my gut really doesn't do well with onions and garlic and artificial sweeteners. Gluten and most short chain sugars are fine, though. I started eating tons of Chobani yogurt. I took a course of two antibiotics (azithromycin and doxycycline). I started taking Immodium about an hour before a run. And I ran on a treadmill near a bathroom until we got it under control. It's better now. Not perfect, but good enough that I can run outside without worrying about having an accident while I am running.

Do GI issues affect your during or after a run? I would get sick after a run if I had eaten late the night before, and I guess everything got jostled around while running. If I ate dinner earlier the night before or ate a smaller quantity if dinner were later seemed to help.

Has anyone struggled with “runner’s gut” GI symptoms? What has helped you?
Have you worked with a nutritionist to modify your diet? Would appreciate any advice!
(Reposting in this forum since I received no responses in the Health forum)