Run, don't trot

None of us was born a runner. At some point, all runners experience that moment of being a runner. With running comes a universe of great side effects: increased endurance, lower body weight, stronger bones, decreased joint problems, etc. With running also comes a host of problems: sprain/strain injuries, chafing, sunburns, over-training, etc.

For the most part, we were all aware of the typical problems that runners endure (chafing being a possible exception to that list). One issue with which MANY runners contend is gastro-intestinal related. Sure, we all have to use the restroom before a race, but some people really struggle with what has become known as runner’s trots.

Patients don’t typically seek out my services to help them with this. Gastro-intestinal problems are not very often discussed by patients with any health care provider. It’s believed that is why colon cancer is so deadly---the stigma associated with the bowels is so strong that patients would rather ignore gravely serious problems than have to discuss them with a healthcare provider. Often, patients come to me with an aching achilles or a sore low back. At some point during the course of treatment, he or she will mention having the symptoms runner’s trots.

There’s no set group of symptoms that defines runner’s trots. Typically, it’s defined as cramping, flatulence, diarrhea and/or nausea during or immediately following a run. If you google the problem enough, you’re sure to find countless recommendations on how to deal with this, including not eating or drinking before or during a run, using Immodium before every run, increasing water intake, decreasing water intake, eliminating wheat from your diet, and many, many others.

My advice is this: first, talk to your healthcare provider so he/she can help to determine that nothing more serious is occurring. And second, change your eating and running routines until you find one that works for you. I have a friend who cannot run before 8 a.m. without suffering diarrhea during a run, and another one that must run after 3 p.m. for the same reason. Some patients have found eliminating caffeine was the key, while others found no change. As similar as we all are, we are also very unique (see, your mom was right!). Don’t be discouraged if you have not yet found the solution. It’s probably out there, waiting for you to discover it.

The next step you might take is to research irritable bowel syndrome. The symptoms of IBS are essentially the symptoms of runner’s trots. Some of the dietary restrictions of IBS are on the extreme end of the spectrum (good-bye pepperoni pizza and Guinness), but they may be the solution to an uncomfortable problem.

If all else fails, live with it. Find an area where you like to run that has numerous restrooms. Maybe over time your body will adapt and the problem will lessen. If it doesn’t at least you can still run.