Some runners at the St. Jude Marathon Saturday may experience more than mental anguish and aching legs during the grueling trek to the finish line.
Runner's diarrhea, known more commonly by veteran runners as the "runner's trots", are experienced by at least 30 percent of runners in 10K races, according to an article published in September in the New York Daily News, and the problem is a frequent occurrence for runners who travel longer distances.
"I think the majority of long distance runners and faster runners experience this problem - if you run faster it sometimes upsets your stomach," said Marcia Scott, training program coach and coordinator at Fleet Feet Sports. "I think it is the new runners who are embarrassed to talk about it."
The exact cause of runner's diarrhea is unclear, according to Dr. Edward Laskowski at the Mayo Clinic, but certain aspects of running like jostling of the organs, decreased blood flow to intestines and pre-race anxiety and stress may affect a runner's gastrointestinal tract.
Scott stressed the importance of watching one's diet while training, especially before a run.
"I would definitely avoid foods with lots of fiber before a run and things like coffee," Scott said. "I would stick to simple carbs and gels."
Laskowski suggested limiting high fat foods, sugar alcohols found in certain gum and candies and dairy, especially if a person is lactose intolerant. If runners need to incorporate more fiber in their diet, Laskowski suggests experimenting and finding a tolerable level.
Lee Harrison, clinical manager of dialysis at Fresenius Medical Care, has learned to tweak his diet to keep his bowel movements regular and time his running accordingly.
"I stick to a pretty bland diet, namely oatmeal, toast and avoid spicy foods," Harrison said. "I also try to eat the same amount of fiber each day to get my digestive system accustomed to my diet."
Harrison usually runs in the morning on an empty stomach to avoid any emergency pit stops.
"I am nervous about the marathon this weekend, because I will have to eat before," Harrison said. "I normally do not struggle with GI tract issues, but things like heartburn and reflux affect my runs."
Harrison said he has found what foods work for him through trial and error and not eating two hours before a run.
"Running with food in my system slows me down," Harrison said. "If I have an upset stomach on a certain day, I am not going to run."
JJ McNelis, president of Mirabile Investment Corporation, has been running for close to three decades and completed a handful of triathlons and marathons without much bowel trouble. McNelis did experience a bit of a disturbance after a trip overseas.
"I had just flown in from Hong Kong and had a triathlon the following morning," McNelis said. "During the transition from the bike to the run, I spent an inordinate amount of time in the Porta Potty. I think I had some leftover Chinese food to get rid of."
McNelis attributes his sturdy constitution to his lifelong career as an athlete.
"I am no doctor but I believe if a person is reasonably fit, their body will get on a schedule, and they will know when they have the urge," he said.
For runner's who experience this problem on a frequent basis despite dietary changes, Scott recommends planning runs accordingly.
"If possible, try to use the bathroom beforehand, but if you get the urge to go while on your run, plan your runs where you know there are bathrooms," she said. "I tell runners I train to carry some Pepto-Bismol with them on runs."
