All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
When things get that bad, it also obviously means rigorous exercise is out of the question.
Ali Feller / Amanda K Bailey
By her sixth stab at the 26.2-mile distance in 2016, her body was begging for a break.
From that point forward, she stuck to shorter distances, unsure if shed ever do another marathon.
I actually had so much fun that day, despite all the walking.
But a few days later I remember thinking, I dont know if Im cut out for this.
I didnt even consider another marathon for the next few years.
Plus, I was feeling really good, Crohns-wise.
Going off to college, studying abroad, getting a promotion, and moving all brought on symptoms.
Marathon training can obviously fit that bill, but I wanted to give it another shot.
I hadnt had a major flare in a few years, mainly because I found amedicationthat works for me.
I also have an amazing gastroenterologist, whos actually a fellow marathoner.
I think running helps, too.
Justbeing outsidedoes wonders for my mental health.
Its been that way my whole life.
And this is even more true regarding running.
Say, for example, Im starting my morning with an eight-mile run.
Its just guaranteed that Im going to stop then because thats when my stomach is most active.
I might go again once I get home, but by lunchtime, Im generally good for the day.
Its definitely taken some trial and error to figure out what works for me.
Bring your own bathroom essentials.
Being prepared is non-negotiable.
Im not talking about normal things like dressing for the weather ormaking sure you have enough water.
Unfortunately, that does sometimes happen, and I hate it.
I dont think its funny or cute, but its not going to stop me from running.
In the warmer months, I put it in my shorts pockets if theyre roomy enough.
Research the route ahead of time.
My pre-run prep also includes route reconnaissance.
Other runners consult maps to check mileage and elevation, but Im scouting bathrooms.
Im not just trying to figure out where the public restrooms areI also need to know the details.
Do it’s crucial that you request a key or a passcode?
Is there likely to be a line?
Is it just a single restroom versus several stalls?
I enjoy my runs so much more knowing that public restrooms are much more available now.
Schedule runs around your stomach and swap workouts as needed.
Oftentimes, though, I have to get out earlier, and am out the door by 5:00.
And if things arent settling down?
Ill swap my run for an easy ride on theindoor cycling bikeor a walk.
Experiment with fueling and hydration to determine whats best for your body.
Changing my nutrition strategy has been a game-changer for me.
I used to run on an empty stomach and never ate any gels during my long runs.
So I triedeating something smallbefore exercising, and it worked for me right off the bat.
Ill typically make a bathroom stop a few miles in, and then Im good.
Strip away the stressors to bring back the joy.
I actually stopped running with a watch in 2016 because it became a source of stress.
Since then, Ive PRed in every distance Ive raced.
Her coaching business is aptly named Running Joyfully, which I love.
I was very clear from the start that I needed the process to be fun.
The training ended up being both funandsuper effective.
I ended up achieving a 10-minute PR with a finish time of 3:41:10.
But that day in Eugene, I wasnt focused on that.
(To my surprise, I didnt end up needing to stop for the bathroom one single time.)
All I wanted to do was enjoy the race andhopefullyrun a personal best.
I know I gave it my all.
My mantra is, Plan for the worst, hope for the best.
I always keep a towel in my car because accidents do happen.
Im also open to the possibility that I might make it through an eight-mile run without a bathroom stop.
Seriously though, talking about poop can be embarrassing.
