running and having to take a dump (Read 3077 times)

anyone ever do this? im 29 years old and almost shit my pants a while back...for the first time since i was a toddler. it just crept up on me and wasn't aware of it before i started out on my journey... what do you do if you do long runs in the middle of nowhere (or in a race) and get the feeling that you might have to drop a load half way through? i *barely* made it back...

*waits for Globule to post about blowing mud*

Leaves maybe?

Leaves of 3, leave 'em be...or somethin' like that.

If you use the search function for "OBMPP", you'll find some of Globule's nuggets of wisdom. Here's one example:

Once "movement" is imminent, the trickiest part is finding your OBMPP (Optimal Bowel Movement Prevention Pace). Run too fast, and you hasten your body's process dangerously. Slow down too much, and your system may slow down, but then you're not getting much closer to safety. There's a real delicate balance in finding that pace that will mitigate disaster...

MTA: The legend himself beat me to it, you could also search "blow mud"

Or, why I don't like rolling outta bed and going for a run. I gotta have my coffee, first.

http://www.distance-running-tips.com/distance-running-news-003.html

"More marathons are won or lost in the porta-toilets than at the dinner table," proclaimed marathon king Bill Rodgers while talking to a group of runners. [...] An estimated 30 to 50% of distance runners experience intestinal problems related to exercise. The vast majority (83%) of 471 marathoners who completed a survey reported they suffered GI problems occasionally or frequently during or after running: 53% experienced the urge to have a bowel movement and 38% reported diarrhea. [...] more difficult to pinpoint possible cause is diet; a nutritionist can be of assistance with this. They can help to determine if you are lactose intolerant; wheat intolerant or allergic to other foods. We want foods that will give us fuel but are also stomach friendly. Too many carbohydrates in your fluid replacement drink can also cause diarrhea. Later, I will give some tips on these foods. Stress or nervousness can also add to our distress. Before a race or difficult workout, we worry about how we will perform. We as runners need to learn to be relaxed on those days. We can only do as well as we can on a given day. If we just concentrate on doing our best, everything else will take care of itself. Do we get nervous before we go to sleep, even though we might not sleep well; no we do not. Yoga and meditation are great ways to learn how to relax. With Yoga we learn to relax some muscles while tensing other muscles. When we meditate, we learn to concentrate and open our minds while relaxing our body. Learn to relax and not have pre- race nervousness, or control it, and don’t let the nervousness control you. Here are some tips for dealing with the trots... See your physician. Drink fluids and make sure you are hydrated. Wear loose fitting clothing around your abdomen Eat foods that you know are safe on your stomach. Stay away from high amounts of fat, fiber, dairy, beverages high in sugar, and processed foods. Allow 4 to 6 hours to pass before you run after eating a big meal. Experiment with what foods work for you, and then do the same in a race. Determine if the time of day has an effect on the diarrhea. Find routes with bathrooms along the way. Last but not least seek support and do not be bashful about tell other runners of your plight. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I only have this problem if I run early in the morning. The solution was finally to divide my run up... a quick 3-4 mile out-and-back run to start. By the time I'm back at the house, I know if there is a problem and can run inside to the bathroom if needed. Then do the rest of the run, whether I had to go or not. The best solution for me though, was simply to run later; afternoons during the week, more than an hour after I wake up on weekends.