So I just returned from my 15 mile run…I’ve felt a bit “loose” all day so I thought I’d better take a shot of Pepto Bismo before my run…about 4 miles into the run I feel a sudden “urge” that I could almost not control! I’ve had this problem to a lesser degree…I think I may be lactose intolerant (I had cereal for breakfast).
Do you recommend Immodium, Pepto, or something else the morning of races?
If this is something that happens often, I’d recommed a trip to see a gastro-enterologist.
Honestly, if you can’t digest milk, the imodium and pepto won’t make the problem go away.
From my own experience, running intensified my lactose problems. I had to come to terms with it and finally cut off all milk products and sure enough the stomach issues were gone.
You can easily test this by cutting out all milk products for two weeks…no cheating. This included any and all whey protein products for me. It’ll be a no brainer when you run and don’t have the typical stomach problems and even more obvious if you re-introduce the milk and the issues come back.
If it is the milk, you can switch to rice milk for your cereal. Rice Dream vanilla is a decent brand and flavor…it’s a great carb drink prior to races too.
Old Cross country trick: Run with an old pair of socks… when the urge hits duck into a bush, put the socks on your hands and take care of business. Leave the socks.
It’s not a serious problem…just would like to prevent any “uncomfortable urges” while running.
Who recommends Imodium here and who likes Pepto…or something else?
Pepto-Bismol has never worked to stop diarrhea for me. Immodium will stop loose bowels–but, don’t take it unless you really, REALLY don’t want a bowel movement for the next couple of days. I don’t recommend it as a preventive measure because you will really screw up your bowel habits if you “go” down that road.
Here’s another thread on the topic:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=475116;search_string=search_string;#475116
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if you’ve got the runs, immodium works for me, but as someone else said, I feel a little funny for a couple of days. (ie. like its holding everything in, food, water etc. I feel bloated.)
I’ve also got a picky digestive tract, and even though I used to drink hoards of milk as a kid, I can’t digest it anymore. I can usually eat cereal with milk (I just won’t drink the leftover milk) The lactose-free milk works for me; as does drinking small amounts of milk (sipping) during a meal. Lactaid tablets sort of work (help you digest milk products; useful when you go out with friends and get stuck eating five-cheese-pizza) but I find its all about moderation… (I can live without milk, but I loooove cheese and ice cream…)
For race day, I would say know your foods. If you have had close calls with certain food groups on training runs then don’t go near them on race day. You don’t need that kinda stress. Finding porta potty on busy course can be a nightmare.
If that fails go with the Immodium 
Mark