I have been beset by runner’s trots that just don’t seem to give up. I;ve had occasional bad days before with a brief detour into the woods. But for the last few months I can;t seem to get any runs in without getting the runs. As far as I know I’m a healthy guy and don’t have any allergy issues that I’m aware of. My diet hasn’t noticeably changed over the winter. I like a whole food approach, but I;ve got kids and eat most things. So I eat lots of fruits, nuts, meats and cheese, I don’t eat a ton of bread, but do eat a slice or two most days. Lots of rice, probably only eat pasta 1/week. My wife thinks I need to see a GI doctor, I think I need to alter my diet. For now I’m reducing the amount of fruit that I eat.
For me, I usually prefer to run later in the day just so I can eliminate (pun intended) that variable sometime prior… However, when I do have an early morning run scheduled, I try to allow myself enough lead time for a strong cup of coffee beforehand to blow the pipes, which usually works well enough. If I can’t get that in, then I’ll usually run into trouble, so my Plan B will typically be to go run at/near the local track where there’s a public can so I can conveniently do what needs to be done as soon as the alarm sounds, then go on about the rest of my run without that cloud overhanging.
In any case, I don’t see it as having much to do w/ my diet… I’ll pay attention to what I eat in training anyway, but the issue in question seems to me to be more a direct function of the running regardless of what I do or don’t eat.
mind over matter, it happened a few times now you’re telling yourself you have to shit when you are out. I went thru this last winter, I left my mark in many places.
Ok, here is na opinion from a diagnosed IBS (Irratable bowl syndrope) sufferer. I used to have the runs all the time and execrise would just exxacerbate the problems, even at 22 years old. My advaice would be to focus on a food journal before visiting a GI doctor as that is one of the first things they will want to know. Here are a few problemeatic foods to try and eliminate and remember there are many possiblities out there from ibs, chrons, lactose intollerence, gluten allergy, ulcers, and the list goes on. Each thing will react to differnt foods more severly. First, remember that workoing out diverts blood awayfrom your stomac and hinders digestion so dont eat and then run right away (give it a few hours). Some people just need to wait in the morning for awhile before running while others it is more serious.
Foods to try and eliminate
-food coloring
-fatty/fried food
-dairy
-excessive armouts of whole grains (too much fiber can be a real issue)
-sodas-carbonated drinks, artifical sweeteners, and carmel coloring are one of the worst combinations for people with GI issues.
-Red meats, too much red meet can be an issues as it is harder to digest, focus on white meat.
-alcohol- one beer now and then is fine but wine can be a real problem.
-avoid large quantities of fruit, grapes are a know problem while bannanas are very safe. If you eat and apple or pear take the skin off as it will be easier to digest.
-avoid large quantities of veggies-same story are fruit some is fine but over one serving and you can be in trouble.
-dont take gels/sports bars and see what happens.
What to do:
-Focus on eating lots of clean foods-rice, pasta, eggs, fish, chicken, etc (you should be doing this anyways
-Eat small meals throughout the day to easy the digestive process 4-6 meals.
-eat a smaller dinner. found that this helps morning runs.
Things to note:
Does this happen throughout the day?
Do you cramp as well or is it painless?
How long after running?
Eat something that makes you go before you run. My Izmir is around 5-10 minutes within the same time on each run ? Maybe a cup or two of Joe and some prognosis yogurt. That is what I drink eat before I run most times it makes me go before the run. Also don’t tie the draw string to tight on your running shorts or pant, no kidding. I had to go one early morning right across from our middle school . It was sat. And 5a.m. So I ditched in the woods across real quick. Silly me as I came out I looked up and there were about 5 port o porgies set up for a soccer tourney that week end :0(
I’m not kidding having gone through bouts of it…you gotta purge the subway bro.
First install one of these in your master bath:
Then before you go to bed take 2 scoops, wake and let gravity take care of the rest:
I’ll be here all week taking questions, feel free to send a thank you card.
I used to have the same problem when I started running anything more than about 5 k’s. What helped me was to ensure I never had an empty stomach. I’m not talking about having a 3 course meal, but certainly more than just a gel or sports bar. My current favourite is a Subway sandwich ! My rough rule of thumb has been anything upto 20 K’s a 6 inch anything over, a 12 inch. Not scientific but seems to work. I also make sure I consume a full water bottle of either water or electrolyte if it’s a long run or warm at the same time. Normally like to get this inside me about 30 mins before my run. Since doing that I have never had a problem. Think it is a combination of the actual food and also getting into a standard routine to take your mind of ‘what might happen’ !!
