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Any runners out there? Pooping while running...

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/15/2018 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
So I’ve recently been trying to get into running, hoping exercise would help my colitis (and my life). But then I discovered that even non-IBDers frequently have diarrhea while running. I’ve heard stories of people have to poop behind bushes in peoples yards...

Now take me, who has UC and the problem gets worse. I have actually started to enjoy running, but am seriously having issues with this. It comes on way more suddenly than my non-running poops. Even if I have just pooped befor my run, I still have issues during my run, sometimes only a half mile in!

Anybody have advice on this? How to avoid it? I’ve contemplated getting some briefs/diapers to run in. But that just seems uncomfortable.

I like running and even have had thoughts about training for a 10k or half, but this pooping issue definitely is limiting me. Certainly would never be able to do a race in this condition!
Posted 11/15/2018 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
I’m a runner (ran my second marathon during my initial flare; do not recommend that) tho currently on hiatus due to my UC.

I never had issues with pooping on the run prior to my UC, but most runners who have will tell you to plot out a course that includes a gas station or somesuch public restroom every so often, in case the urge strikes. Many will run loops in parks with public restrooms

Alternatively, trail running presents you with numerous options for pooping on the fly if you don’t get much warning. Just tuck some Kleenex or toilet paper into a fuel belt or pocket. In a pinch you can make yourself the butt of ye olde running joke about runners with one sock. 😉

I have found that the preventative measures that most “normal” people employ (coffee an hour before, running on an empty stomach, etc.) don’t really translate well to UC. At least they didn’t for me—if I drink coffee I’ll be practicing sprints in the house, not knocking out a long run.

Runners are the only people who talk about pooping as much as people with IBD, so it’s a simpatico crowd.

My UC is currently bananas, and running just makes it more painful—which sucks, because I had planned to do my first 50 miler this past summer. At present, I am keeping up fitness with my Peloton, but I really miss running and can’t wait to get back to it. This to say, have a low-impact backup plan for days you can’t, or don’t want, to deal with it.

Post Edited (Celeriac) : 11/15/2018 8:16:26 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/15/2018 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
Pride went out the door eons ago; so I will run with depends on - and keep the runs short - 2 mi max. Also resort to a protein shake an hour before - almost acts as Suprep bowel prep before a colonoscopy - pushes a good deal of volume out. However this is more manageable for me as I recently started Xeljanz 6 weeks ago and that has lowered the urgency and frequency, however, I'm not without surprise accidents, and BMs can take like 30 min as the 'waves' push their way on through... that having been said, if an issue happens, the depends catch it, then I waddle back to the house, clean up, change depends, then head back on out.... as life happens for us, not to us... hope that helps...
Posted 11/15/2018 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
Are you in remission? Do you just have to go once and then you're good for the rest of your run? If so, why not do some warm-up laps around your house/neighborhood or do some kind of other activity (jumping jacks/push-ups/whatever) before you leave the house to try to get things moving. There are other things you can try, like not eating certain foods before a run. Oatmeal works best for me before long runs.

I've run many marathons and ultramarathons while having UC, but I don't run if I am in a moderate to severe flare-up (if I'm just having a few very mild symptoms, I'll still run). I really haven't had any issues with having to poop while running unless I'm in a flare. I do try to go to the bathroom before I head out for my runs. Usually if I drink a glass or two of water and eat some oatmeal or other breakfast, that gets things moving for me in the morning.

And I know a lot of runners and have run with a lot of people and in a lot of races, and I don't know anyone who has to poop behind bushes during a run. I'm sure it happens to some, especially in a long race or something, but I do not think that is the norm at all. I sometimes have to poop in the middle of a long training run, but that's usually because I wasn't able to go that morning. It's not a big deal if you're trail running. You just stop and go and then get on with your run.

Post Edited (Sara14) : 11/15/2018 10:15:24 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/15/2018 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
Also, I always check out the race course map prior to a race and know where all the bathrooms/porta-potties are. If you're doing a road race, usually they have them every few miles. Don't count out a half marathon; you just have to find what works for you, and if you're not in remission, work with your doctor to get yourself there. Good luck.
Posted 11/15/2018 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Running used to be my favorite. I completed 10 marathons (pre-UC) and once while in remission. Unfortunately, when I was flaring, there was no way I could enjoy running. I tried and tried but there was nothing worse then being a couple miles into a long run and not be able to find a bathroom. I remember running up to a on a Starbucks door in a panic at 5:00 am praying that they would be open - no luck, I stood there and totally wrecked my running shorts. It took all the joy out of it for me. After that, I stuck to the treadmill in my basement. The toilet is 20 feet away- so while treadmill running is not my favorite, it is way better then worrying about having to find a place to go at a moments notice.

I’m recovering from my final j-pouch surgery right now but, I’m longing to get back to running. Hopefully, I can pick up where I left off a year ago.
Posted 11/26/2018 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi! I am a runner, and I started running competitively almost 20 years ago, and I ran 8 years on a team before my UC diagnosis. Runners talk about poop all of the time, particularly distance runners. I think it’s because running can “get things moving”, but also because you have to go when you have to go, and typically people do long runs on the morning etc. I still run as it is my favorite form of exercise. I do choose to run in the afternoon or late morning as mornings are more unpredictable for me unfortunately. I also have a three mile route that has a bathroom every mile. I also have a treadmill for bad days, but I do prefer running outside. If I want to run early, or if I’m doing a race, I will wake up extra early and try and get it over with before I start. I used to be so afraid of running after my diagnosis because I was worried I wouldn’t get to a bathroom in time. Then I realized I was letting my colitis steal something that I loved. I started running again, and then one day (and it’s only happened once in 5 years) my fear came true and I had an accident. I realized that day though that nothing terrible happened. No one knew but me, and I simply got home and cleaned up. It wasn’t the end of the world like I had imagined in my head. Do you have times of day that are better for you in terms of predictability?
Posted 11/26/2018 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
hopefully you're a regular runner and not one of those elite backward runners - that could get really nasty !

just do what you can for now and know that things will get better and you can put all that pooping behind you where it belongs -

hang in there -
Posted 11/26/2018 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
I used to run track, I was fine for the most part, I did freak out but practice was at the same time everyday and I kind of watched what I ate the hours before practice making sure I ate zero trigger foods or else I would be running to the bathroom instead of the finish line!
Posted 12/20/2018 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
I am a runner ( handful of 5Ks, few 10Ks, couple of halfs and planning a full marathon this fall) and have not really had any issues while running, so far. I make sure to get up extra early to have coffee, eat something and go to the bathroom and then I am usually good to go. I do take a RX anti-diarrhea before longer races. My issue sometimes though is flare like symptoms after a long run. I will spend the rest of the day with urgency, loose stools, Tenesmus etc. It usually only last that day and thankfully doesn't happen often. I am not sure what causes it after only after a long run though.
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