Does anyone Imodium before long runs?

[CallingAllAngels]

I have to figure something out. All of a sudden, I can't run more than 8 miles without getting runners' trots. Lovely, I know. Anyway, I am very motivated to really improve my running, but this obstacle is really frustrating. Has anyone overcome this problem? I don't like the idea of taking Imodium but I like it more than crapping my pants.

[joenali]

What are you eating before? Not just for breakfast, but dinner etc? That could be playing a role. Are you eating anything during your run? Are getting up early enough to poop it all out? Maybe keep a food journal and write down how you feel before, during and after each run?

[venice2007]

I take a half of one before my halfs just because I get excited stomach. It helps.

[CallingAllAngels]

I do poop before. I was drinking a lot of water before in an effort to get things moving, but I've started limiting that to 16 oz.

We were eating pizza every Friday night (long run on Sat morning), but we've gotten away from that. I think I did okay with pizza, so il have to try that again. Last night we had wings (bad, I know, but we wanted to try a new place).

My stomach feels very sloshy and acidic during my runs, so I don't want to eat, but I've been forcing myself to eat gels or chews. I haven't had consistent good luck with anything. A friend mentioned she eats pretzels and I might try something like that because it seems like that would absorb some of the crap in my stomach. That just might be mental though.

I definitely need to start a journal. My next half isn't until October, but I have some pretty ambitious goals for it. I would love to get this figured out ASAP.

[savan]

I have the same problem. I've tried imodium twice. Once on a 10 mile training run and the second during my first half marathon. The first time it turned out okay but the second was a disaster. I basically ran my whole half marathon with abdominal pain and inability to use the bathroom. I even tried twice. I think I would have been less miserable if I could have pooped. I will not use Imodium again.

What I have done is discovered that I have to do my long runs on an empty stomach. I get up at least 1 hour before the run, drink a cup of coffee and 8 oz of water, and poop multiple times. If I get up early enough I can usually clean myself out and be fine. If I try to eat, or don't give myself enough time before the run, I am guaranteed to make at least 1 bathroom stop.

ETA:  I also pay attention to what I eat the night before.  No greasy foods and no broccoli.

[Deleted]

I would not do the gels. I could easily see the sugar content messing up your stomach and exacerbating any tummy issues. Try eating some kind of real food--pretzels, cheez it's, peanut butter m&ms (I know the irony in calling any of that real food, but you get my drift).

[runblondie26]

I'll take it before races that will be in hot, humid conditions. That seems to be when the runners trots will hit me the worst.

It works a little too well, and I end up being backed up for a few days after I take it. Thus, I save it for special occasions.