Let’s talk about poop.

You know – that taboo thing everyone does, but no one talks about? Yep. That.

Pooping is important. Especially if you’re a runner. Pooping is extremely important to runners. Let’s just say, there’s a reason come race day the line for the porta potties is a mile long before the start. They’re all trying to poop. I’ve been there and, if you’re a runner, I’m sure you’ve been there too.

When I first started running I was such a newbie, I knew nothing. I ate what I thought I should be eating and ran how I thought I should be running. I wasn’t sure what was normal and I was pretty sure all the ‘pit stops’ I was making during my runs was not.

Turns out they were. I believe the term ‘Runner’s Trots’ comes to mind for most. It’s only normal because most running newbies (like I was) don’t realize how important digestive health is for runners.

Before long runs it’s best to avoid high fiber foods (such as fruit, vegetables, long grains) and dairy. It’s also not smart to run on a full stomach or (in my case) on an empty stomach. Depending on how long the run is a 50-250 calorie snack does the trick.

Learning what works best for your body is key. Even though many runners outgrow ‘runner’s trots’ there’s still that urge to – ahem- relieve ourselves come race day, hence the super long porta potty lines.

Again digestive health is important and the ability to let it all out before start is key. That bloated, uneasy feeling doesn’t always make for a great race. Most runners prefer to drink coffee the day of to awaken the system or get their probiotics in during the week of.

Poop. Poop. Poop.

Have I said poop enough yet?

If you’re a runner – what do you do to ensure digestive health come race day?

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