Try and find a bit of wood where there are those huge dock leaves growing. They have the texture of a wet wipe and are environmentally friendly.

On a serious note I ran for years without this being a problem and then in the last few months have needed to go on about 50% of my long runs. not sure what has changed and hoping it will go away. Finding a strategic spot when the need is urgent can be tricky. Too much information? sorry.

I don't have too much of a problem with Tigger as Tigger is a most wonderful thing but ignore Dave, Eeyore to know better and let's not lose sight of the post which is about Pooh.

That's the most wonderful thing about Tiggers... ;)

I cured this particular problem by giving up my weekday breakfast of cereal, raisins and milk before a run. I eventually worked out that it was the milk that was making me loose. Now it's two bits of toast before I run and no problems....

Before races or long runs I've switched from a typical porridge/cereal based breakfast to eggs on toast and this has made a big difference. Ideally you would eat two or three hours before so not always practical for an early morning training run though.

Matthew - It just so happens that I rediscovered Marathon Talk just the other day, and Ep 2 with the Tony Audenshaw interview was one of the first I listened to! Tony's Trials are a definite highlight.

I once likened the churning effect that running has on the contents of one's lower intestine to chewing a hard toffee - the repetitive action soon softens it!

Yes, it's totally normal - all the bouncing around can definitely stir things up.

I agree with Dave - a lot of it is to do with understanding your body's natural 'pattern' and trying to run in harmony with it. For a long run, I always have a couple of coffees beforehand and wait until I've 'cleared' as much as possible before I set out! Always worth taking a small toilet roll though, just in case though...

Oh, you're definitely not alone! Non-runners might be less understanding, though!

Hi Angela,

This can be horrific. If i know im going to be out for a very long run then i take some toilet paper and head for the woods. Its not pretty and its not pleasant but needs must!! Other than preparing yourself for the possibility then do all you can to 'go' before heading out or watch what you eat leading up to runs when you find yourself needing to 'go'. There probably isnt a runner on this forum who hasnt had a problem of this nature at some point.......

Hi Ange,

Keep it quiet, but yeah, I've had that problem a couple of times. For a while I was using Diacalm or Imodium for maras and HMs or those longer training runs where I knew I'd be a long way from a loo, but I could never be sure whether they worked or whether I'd have been OK on those occasions anyway. Really you need to figure out how your diet and routine affect it - for example are you running early in the morning before your ablutions? Try changing your diet in small ways to see if anything makes a difference. After a while, maybe six or eight months, I found that the problem just went away - no idea why! If it continues to be a problem consider a word with your GP.

Good luck!