Jogging, the Cure for Constipation

Let's talk about poop.  We all do it, but it's not really something we like to scream about from the rooftops now, is it?

When I first started jogging, I had a lot of bowel issues.  I would be mid-run and suddenly I had to poop.  And it wasn't a "we can wait until we get home" moment.  It was an "Oh my gosh we have to find a toilet right freaking now!" moment.

I don't like to poop in public.  I don't think most people do.  It's really silly because it's not like I ever walk in a public restroom and think badly of somebody for pooping. But I don't want to be the pooper!

One time, when picking up my oldest daughter from the airport, I had a stomach cramp attack.  When I got to the airport, I went in the bathroom and of course it was filled with ladies.  I had to go so bad but I couldn't be THE POOPER.  So I walked out, purchased some things in the gift shop, and sneaked back in the bathroom.  Miraculously, nobody was there.  I pooped as fast as I could, jumped up, washed my hands, and speed walked on out of the bathroom.  Hallelujah!  Nobody had caught me pooping!

But back to running and pooping.  My body had a hard time adjusting when I first started jogging, and I did have to poop in some public places a few times.  Boy did I did pray that nobody knew. I know it's silly, I know!  Why get so embarrassed over a natural body function?

I was discussing my issues with a friend and she told me that putting a few drops of essential oil in the toilet before you go helps hide the smell.  I tried it and got back to her.  It didn't work for me.  Then she asked if I was using strong essential oils like eucalyptus or rosemary.  I wasn't, so I will need to try those. There is also a product I want to try called "Just a Drop." It is sold on Amazon and you put it in the toilet before you go.  Then, supposedly, there is no poop smell.  It gets rave reviews. 

Here is what I don't recommend.  I don't recommend taking Immodium AD before your first half marathon, or any long run.  You are only asking for trouble.  My problem used to be so bad that I did take one of those before my first half.  I got extremely dehydrated.  I had a lot of abdominal pain after the race and it took a few weeks for my gastrointestinal system to recover.  Besides, the toilets in races are port a potties.  If you do have to poop in one, nobody is going to know it's you since they smell so bad anyway.

I am happy to say that jogging no longer does such a number on my poor body.  I did have an incident earlier this week but it was my first one in some time.  I was 3.5 miles out and suddenly my gut cramped up.  It was clear there would be no more jogging until I found some facilities.  The problem was I had taken a new route.  I had only driven that route before and I didn't realize quite how far I was from the nearest potty spot.

I walked and I walked and I walked some more, muttering to myself, "Please don't let me poop my pants."  Two miles later I made it, barely.  There are some porta potties near a baseball field that were unoccupied.  Nobody was around.  I never, ever thought I would be so glad to see a porta pottie, but I was.

I then continued home, a little over another mile.  I won't call it my best run ever but I did lose weight!

I know this is a gross subject, but it's a real issue.  Everyone poops!