It happens...

One thing I learned  the hard way was a thing called "runners trots". Yikes! It just sounds gross, yes?

But it is part of running.

 

According to Active.com  an estimated 20 to 50 percent suffer from "urgency to defecate."

Now why, why must we endure this?

Well, for a few reasons.

1. Blood flow usually sent to the intestines is now sent to exercising muscles

2. Running moves things around

3. Your intestinal hormone level change during running

 

Now why am I talking about this lovely topic? Well, it because it was something I was plagued with when I started  running I had no idea how to "handle" this problem. In fact, many a socks, and gloves were sacrificed on trails oh and thank God for gas stations... TMI? Oh well, your a runner this is part of running.

 

So how to avoid this dilemma. Because it is in FACT a dilemma epically when it hits you at mile 8 every.single.time.

 and bathrooms are no where in site.

 

1. Avoid coffee- its a GI irritant.

2. Stay hydrated- dehydration will slow you body's ability to digest food.

3. If you have a morning race or run I recommend getting up 2 or 3 before the run to ensure your body has time to do what it needs to do.

4. Don't be shy- ask other runners you are comfortable with what they do. Runners have a strong fellowship and I guarantee what ever you are going through is no different then what they go through.

 

In fact, I asked a ultra runner and friend what she did about this. She said for years it was a major problem and it killed her time and then she just went to the pharmacy and picked up a bottle of ranitidine tablets aka zantac. However, she told me NOT to get the name brand she specifically said to get the off brand because she felt that it worked better. Now, I just went with it and bought off brand.

I wasn't to sure about it. The label says: prevents and relieves heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. Now, I wont lie I don't know how it all works but it does. I ran a 21 mile trail run, a 15 mile trail run and a marathon and not one problem. I pop one of these babies the day before a long run and soon as I wake up the morning of a run.

And.. I haven't had a problem since.

 

Again, is this the answer for everyone? Who knows. But did I suffer from the unmentionable. Yep, every time. Did this medicine change my life? YES!