Avoid bowel issues on Comrades Marathon race day by focusing on pre-race nutrition, such as avoiding high-fibre meals, alcohol, and new foods, and ensuring you use the loo before the race starts. Picture: Google Gemini
Image: Google Gemini
With the Comrades Marathon around the corner, we have to talk about something uncomfortable. There’s nothing worse than being in the midst of a good run and then suddenly knowing it’s time to go — and no, I’m not talking about reaching your destination.
Every runner has, at some point, found themselves nowhere near a loo while the urge to defecate grows stronger with every stride.
If you find yourself in this situation, there’s very little you can do if there isn’t a toilet close by. You simply have to vasbyt in more ways than one.
And if that urge becomes overwhelming, there’s simply no avoiding what comes next.
The only real solution is prevention, and what you eat in the days leading up to your race is absolutely crucial.
The Comrades Marathon will begin in Durban at 5.45am, and with most races starting around the 6am mark, it means runners have to wake up several hours beforehand.
An early wake-up for most adults means a cup of smoking-hot coffee. This is actually one of the best ways to ensure you ‘go’ before a race. You really do want to do your best to fulfil this bodily function long before making your way to the start line.
The day before, though, is vital. It’s generally best to avoid high-fibre meals and cereals. These foods can be excellent during training blocks, but are seldom your friend on race day.
It may also be obvious, but don’t drink alcohol the day before your race. Alcohol is generally high in sugar and has a habit of getting things moving in your gut — usually without your permission.
The most important thing, though, is never to try anything new during race week or on race day itself. Don’t suddenly think: “Well, I need a big boost this year, so I’ll eat a massive bowl of pasta the night before.” That seldom ends well if you haven’t tested it before.
The same goes for energy gels. Avoid anything new during race week like the plague.
Ultimately, it comes down to trial and error — and if you haven’t figured out what works for your stomach by now, a nearly 90km route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg is probably not the ideal place to start experimenting.