Is It Possible to Run a Marathon Without Going to the Bathroom? (2024)

Since you recently addressed bloody nipples, I thought you might be able to solve this problem as well. The thought of running my first full marathon is daunting, to say the least. However, I think the most nerve-racking challenge of the race is the question of urination. Is it possible to run the full race without going to the bathroom? I've seen photos and heard stories about hardcore runners crossing finish lines 'stewing in their own juices,' and while I have zero desire to go down that path, I also don't want to miss my goals because I spent precious minutes in line at a port-a-potty. Is there a happy balance or am I doomed to sacrifice time for sanitation?

Phil

Phil, yes, it is absolutely possible to run a full marathon or half-marathon without having to stop to use the bathroom along the way. Of course this experience is different for each individual, but during your training you will learn how your body handles re-fueling and if using the bathroom will be an issue for you.

First, it is important to get up early before training runs and races to allow time to eat, drink, and use the bathroom. Eat as early as you can—as much as two to three hours before a long run or a race—consume sports drink up to 1 hour before running, and drink water up to 30 to 45 minutes before running. This will give you time to process and eliminate your intake before running. When racing, use the bathroom when you arrive to the race site, do your pre-race warm up and then use the bathroom one last time just before the race starts. By following the same routine throughout your training, you will teach your body to adapt to this process and timeframe.

Arriving early to the race site is key as the lines for bathrooms can get very long just before the starting gun. Though pre-race jitters usually make going to the bathroom very easy, but once you start running and sweating, the fluid loss helps minimize the need to use the bathroom. Most marathons provide a course map ahead of time and mark the 'pit stops' along the way so you will know at which mile markers bathrooms can be found. Knowing you have the option to use the bathroom during the race helps relieve the stress of worrying about when and where you might need to go. Usually, the worst lines occur at the bathrooms at the start—you shouldn’t have to wait to use a porta-potty on the course.

Some runners battle GI distress with racing and long runs. The physical stress of exertion, heat, and mileage combined with the mechanical jarring of running, the foods you eat, and race nerves can lead to serious stomach upset. Again, training will let you know how your body responds to these stressors and whether bathrooms issues will be a problem for you. If they are, check with your physician to be sure there are no underlying medical conditions contributing to this issue. Once cleared by your physician, taking over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication usually helps control this situation. Try taking one dose the evening before a race or long run, and another dose in the morning when you wake up. Experimenting with the amount and timing of medication during your training will help you figure out what works for you. Another tip is to carry some wet wipes in a small plastic baggie in your shorts pocket for emergencies!

Bathroom accidents can and do happen, but they would not be considered the norm. If they were, running wouldn’t be so popular!

Enjoy,

Susan Paul, MS

Susan Paul has coached more than 2,000 runners and is an exercise physiologist and program director for the Orlando Track Shack Foundation. For more information, visit www.trackshack.com.

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