this is what we get to look at while we sweat
…but now they are WELL WORTH IT (see evidence above). Interesting how running can change your perspective on things like time of day (mornings are not so dreadful), weather (cold and foggy is the best!), and, of course, digestion (not just something that happens after you eat).
Right. So I’m going to talk about pooping. Turds, doodie, dropping the kids off at the pool, etc. Poop is actually serious business in the running world, despite all of its whimsical nicknames. Also notice I said I’m going to talk about pooping, rather than just poop, because the process is really more critical than the product.
Normally in posts of the past (and in previous running blogs) the topic of conversation has focused on a problem I had during a run, what went wrong, why it happened, and how I’m not going to let it happen again. A painful knee, a chafing bra strap, a mental apocalypse that ruined the run, for example. But this post about pooping is different. For our run starting at Beach Chalet/Ocean Beach in the city this Saturday, I checked digestion off as all clear and ready to roll on the list of potential hazards. I’d like to tell you why this was so fantastic for not just me in this instance, but also for every runner who’s ever had the runs during a run.
It’s a known fact that among the general population, runners have a very low rate of colon cancer. This is due mainly to all the pounding and jostling the body receives when hitting the trail, helping things “move along.” I can’t speak for every runner, but personally, having a system that runs like clockwork is one of the most important things I can do for myself in terms of planning for a good long run.
Waking up early on Saturday mornings is hard enough, but waking up earlier than I have to during the work week and not being able to take a crap when hoped for is even more difficult, because it sets the stage for a grumbly, nauseous run. I know it sounds silly, but often the last thought I have on Friday night as my head hits the pillow is “I really hope I can take a shit when I wake up.”
When I do, which is most of the time, it’s awesome. Having clean bowels before a run is analogous to scrubbing your teeth, flossing all the way in the back, and swishing some good mouth wash before an important job interview. It provides confidence and the freedom of not having to worry about what could go wrong.
When I don’t, a slew of disasters can occur: slower pace, the need to walk more often because I feel the possibility of a stomach explosion coming on, heartburn, and more often than not an emergency stop at a porta-potty, followed by a mixture of relief and disgust for the rest of the run. Then there’s the extreme case in which too much loose stool causes dehydration. It’s pretty horrible. During those moments I question why I even like running in the first place.
For a really awful, disgusting visual of a worst case scenario, click here (WARNING: this is super nasty):
http://www.unknownhighway.com/images/uploads/shittyrunner.jpg
As far as do’s and don’ts, it really comes down to experimenting with your own body and routine to figure out what will prevent an uneasy stomach before a run. Usually the tips are to not eat a meal less than 2 hours before a run, eat easily digestible foods like instant oatmeal and well-cooked pasta, don’t eat really fibrous foods that make your system really work to digest such as leafy greens and legumes in the hours before your run. For sensitive stomach people like myself, I know I can’t have anything too sugary before or during a run (including fruit/fruit juice, and most of the energy-replacements on the market such as GU which would just exacerbate the problem) or anything greasy (never a good idea anyway, right?).
The best and simplest piece of advice I can think of, however, is to get regular. I hate that term so much, forgive me for using it, but it amazes me how many people it seems are NOT regular poopers. Runners on the whole, of course, are much better at this because our hobby necessitates it. But waking up at the same time every morning, eating at the same time each day, getting the same amount of sleep each night, getting ample hydration daily — all of these habits can translate directly to the quality of my running.
Anyway, I’m always proud of myself, like a potty-training toddler, when I take care of business in a timely manner for early-morning runs and then successfully get through my workout without even a hint of stomach issues. Which is why, among other reasons, our Beach Chalet run was so fabulous.
Enough poop talk…here are more pictures!
Kristin, one of our Level 3 super-stars
the coaches' mileage board
check out the torque on Trish
Al near the turn-around point for TEN MILES
Kelsey at waterstop #1
wooowwwww
Karen coming down the sandy slope near Sutro Baths
Coach Joe says, "you'll thank me when you're done, enjoy the day!"
Al, Chelsea, Megan, & Kristen at the start at Ocean Beach
Kristen & Megan
Perrisa, not fooling anyone, and me
the first hill - Cliff House
stretching in the woods
the smorgasbord of deliciousness @ the post-run honoree brunch
mighty manager Leslie
listening to stories from leukemia and lymphoma survivors
The last few pictures are from the Honoree Brunch that we had after the run in Golden Gate Park. A few of our team “honorees” (people involved with TNT who have battled a blood cancer) spoke to us about their stories, and, as always, we ate a bunch of delicious treats. Some of the stories were pretty tear-jerking, but it’s good to have a reminder of why we’re out there.
In summation: Happy pooping, happy running.
