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I am a 36 year old active duty service member. I was diagnosed with UC 4 years ago. I have taken a lot of medication to include (Apriso, Cansa, MP6, and Humira).  I guess I would call my UC mostly manageable except when I have flare ups.  My biggest inconvenience is running.  As a soldier I must run on a regular basis.  It seems that no matter what I do I cannot go for a run of any distance without having to find a restroom.  It’s like the running makes me have to go.

I’m hoping to someone out there is an avid runner with UC and can give me some recommendations to be able to run without having to stop constantly.  
 

 Reply posted for nathanm80.

unfortunately, the running does make you go.  it happens to me, even though i run only because it's good excercise not because i enjoy it or am good at it :) If i run early in the morning, i don't eat anything until i arrive.  if i run in the evening (which i understand it's impossible for you) i run by the canal where it's very lonely in case i have an accident.  a couple of times i've used depends. it really puts me at ease (somewhat).  i know this was probably not much help for you.  I understand how difficult and overwhelmed you must feel being in the service and dealing with this condition it's probably a daily challenge for you.  I've had UC for about 13 years. was diagnosed at 28.  i am now 41...believe me the older you get the easier it gets as you loose shame as you age lol..plus, men unlike women are less concerned about saying out loud that they have to go #2. right? hang in there, you can do it!!  thank you for your service :)

 Reply posted for nathanm80.

Hi, I have colitis and run marathons. Unfortunately I can very much relate to your problem. I basically always have to go to the bathroom if I run during the day. So usually I do my daily training early in the morning before eating anything and that works best. But I understand that you can probably not always plan it that way. 

I have only run one race that I was ok and did not get bowel issues further on in the race. I am working with a nutritionist now and one of the reasons is that I am getting dehydrated even though I drink at every aid station. So I'm practicing now to run and take electrolyte tablets every 45 minutes with good results so far. That way I can also keep the food and gels to a minimum.

But yeah, trust me, I have been squatting down behind trees in nature a lot, even during races. That's why I prefer races out in the bush and not in big cities. I'm going to NYC in November though so let's hope I'll be ok :))

I've been an avid runner all my life and was diagnosed with UC in 2009. Fortunately I am in a, for the most part, state of remission. I still have my moments but have never experienced anything more debilitating than those uncontrollable moments during a flare up. Not being able to run for fear of having an accident is tough. Life with UC during a flare up means knowing where a close bathroom is at all times. I personally think that because running speeds up your metabolism it has an adverse affect on your GI tract. Making sure your tank is as close to empty as possible is probably the best measure you can take before running. Heres to hoping UC is only a temporary set back in your life. Good luck and thank you for your service.

 Reply posted for nathanm80.

Hello! I have had UC for 3 years.  I started running one year ago.  I also have bathroom issues at any distance when it comes to running. I have found that I cannot eat anything prior to a run (I know that's not good, but every time I eat I have issues).  I also find that hydrating with a few glasses of water prior to the run is helpful. 

My goal is to someday run a half-marathon and a marathon, but I have to get my flare-ups under control first. I wish you the best of luck in finding relief during running!

Em

 Reply posted for nathanm80.

I don't know about if it's causing it or not, but do your best to plan around it.

I run mostly at the gym or around my block, and occasionally I might need to stop and pop into the restroom , but I don't find it's a direct correlation.

Do any other behaviors trigger the bathroom? Can you induce using the restroom prior so you are " running on empty ?"