TylerDCA says:

Running makes me have to poop. No better way to say it. I try to go before hand, and usually can, but almost without fail after 30 minutes of running I have to go again, and usually have to either stop (which eases the urge), or try to make it home as fast as possible.

Has anyone else had this affliction? Any advice?

 sub_pop says:

Questions:
How frequently are you going?
Solid or loose stools?
Is your diet well balanced? (Fiber, fruit, vegetables?)
Do you usually run at the same time of day?

Suggestions:
Think about a treadmill in a gym until you get the issue under control.
If you run at the same time every day, try moving it back by an hour and seeing if it persists.

I've had one run interrupted in this fashion in the year I've been running. Since it didn't recur I didn't give it much thought, but I always visit a restroom before starting a run, just in case.

I'm not a medical professional, but I encourage you to run the problem by one.

 TylerDCA says:

How frequently are you going? I poop once per run. I make it through my whole run, but it comes on. I usually go 4-5 times per day.
Solid or loose stools? Solid, but I'm usually quite gassy
Is your diet well balanced? (Fiber, fruit, vegetables?)Yep, I eat like a champ
Do you usually run at the same time of day?I usually do run at the same time of day, but that doesn't make a big difference.

 RunnerGirl77 says:

Tyler, how many miles are you running at a time? I don't usually have this issue with shorter runs, but have had it in a couple of distance races.

What I find works for me is making sure that I eat NO LESS than two hours before my run. This optimizes my energy levels, while giving my digestive track a chance to "move things along". The meal is small, mostly protein with some carbs, and a bit of fruit or veggies. I'll have fruit and veggies after the run for recovery.

My chiropractor once told me that healthy individuals have a bowel movement an hour or so after each time that they eat.
I don't know if this helps much, but it's what I usually work with.

 lynne85737 says:

The act of running can stimulate your intestines. Also, how soon you eat before a run can affect your need to go. If you are "regular" perhaps you can adjust your eating schedule so there is less in your digestive system at the time you run.

 TylerDCA says:

This happens when I run roughly 3 miles. I am sometimes guilty of eating shortly before running.

 Sareybabes says:

Hey Tyler - Me too, which is why I don't run in town! I'm just the same, bout half an hour. Used to get it on every run, now it's not a sure thing - just a likelihood.

Got used to carrying 'doggy-bags!'

 Traggy says:

Tyler, It happens also to me. When I run early in the morning if do not go to the toilet before running ( Sometimes I can't ). Running really move my intestines and between kilometer 5 and 10 ALWAYS have to do it...

 Mihai says:

If you run too fast, the bouncing will stimulate your needs.
If you run too slow, you might arrive home too late!

Either way, you are doomed!

 Mikey47 says:

There was one time where I was about 1K into my run, and had to turn around and run back home to "take care of business". My wife asked my why I was back so soon, if I was hurt, etc. but I just ran to the head to do my thing! Afterwards I went back out and finished my run. Usually though I don't have problems being interrupted, although today about halfway through my 5K race, I REALLY HAD TO PEE! I think it motivated me to get to the finish line a little faster.

 run4shore4beers says:

During weight training this AM it happened to me on the second set, luckily I was home.

In my case I am pretty regular around 7:30-8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. I schedule all the activities around those times. Not sure if you can.

Good luck!

 Joggersaurus says:

A problem i am very aware of as i suffer from ulcerative colitis . I urge you to see your doctor to make sure there is no underlying problem. I need to stop frequently. So i tend to run off road as much as possible so if I need to stop there is usually somewhere out of sight.It is a nuisance as i cannot take place in races as i would love to. some times I have to put up with the consequences wearing tight shorts and swimming trunks, showering as soon as I get home. It is embarrassing but you get used to it. It is not going to defeat me.

 Runningsam says:

I've had the affliction of returning home one-socked, or sockless on more runs than I care to number. It's led to a habit of light snacking till the daily run is over and then eating like a champ the next meal.   I frequently use coffee as a "just to make sure" solution while I run my internet errands pre-run. Once I've gone, I know I'm ready for my run. What works for me is a balanced diet while aiming for a consistent daily routine.

... as embarrassing as it is, you're not alone!   ... when in doubt.... wear tube socks!

 bukkhead says:

Do you have caffeine before your run? I know that caffeine, as a diarhettic, can get the mail moving, to borrow the euphemism. I think the suggestion of running in the gym is good one, until you figure things out. Or do what my dad does-- engage in some other physical activity until you get the urge, take care of business, and off you go!

--JE

 tigertwo says:

I have suffered from this problem for several years, to the point that there have been several horrible occasions when it got the better of me... (sorry, that's pretty gross).

I spoke to my doctor and she told me it was very common amongst runners - apparently about 50% suffer from it. It is known as 'runner's trots' and so far, nothing I have tried helps. It's just one of those things. I take Immodium before every race half-marathon distance or longer and I have planned my routes so I know where the toilets are and when they are going to be open.

I was horribly embarressed about it until I discovered I wasn't at all alone in experiencing it. And I now know my body and when I get the feeling that I need to go, then the run no longer matters - the nearest loo becomes my sole priority.

max.runski says:

Today I was rushing to get home. I made it, and I was all wet from sweating , not because of running, but because of holding on. I started searching the web hoping that that I'm not alone, so thank you Tyler for starting it! I am a new runner and before I never had that problem. Now I go to bathroom 2,3-4 times a day, and sorry for being so open, my stool is usually very loose, especially when I have to go when I'm running. After reading all suggestions I am really willing to try balancing my diet. I have to admit that mine is very irregular and far from beeing balanced. I am having a race coming up, and I'm afraid that it will happen to me that day. Can enyone give me a sample of balanced menu? I want to believe that change in my eating habits will help.

 ishouldberunning says:

Here's what works for me;

Avoid processed foods. I'm not sure why this makes a difference but for me it does.

Do not overeat. Several small meals works best for me.

I think the best thing I've done to be regular is eating oatmeal in the morning. Not the instant crap but the real whole, sometime referred to as 'slow cook' oats. Basically you want to make sure it's the whole oat type. I have flaxseed and sunflower seed and wheat germ added to mine.

The benefit is that I have a movement in the morning that is 'complete' in the sense that there is no lingering waste in my colon when done. The stool is usually one complete mass and very 'clean' (For lack of a better word).

I also believe there's a difference between the fiber of fruit as to that of grains. Grains seem to be more 'binding'.

AVOID PROCESSED FOODS AND ALL HYDROGENATED OILS/FATS.

 Evan326 says:

I eat a few nutrigrain bars before each run, about 3.5 miles. You don't or didn't just stop smoking by any chance? I ask cause I only had that problem the first few times I ran when I just quit smoking. Really cleaned me out!