Oops, Forgot My Toilet Paper!

WARNING: This post is not to be read while eating. Some will handle this post better than others after the realization that this is a natural occurrence. I hope you will now grasp the realization that everyone poops.

I've never run a marathon. I've thought about running a marathon after I graduate. I'm just not sure.


Something I do think about, however, is how people go to the bathroom in a marathon.

I've been in a running environment for a long time. Precisely I've been running competitively since the fourth grade which makes it about 12 years. Because of this I've learned and seen and the whole idea of pooping and peeing (yes I said it) doesn't come as a shocker to me.

I've become accustomed to Porta-Potties, I'm not afraid to use them, and better yet I don't think twice about relieving myself in the woods. I would think this falls true for many other long time runners. If you attend any race you'll more than likely see the line of these iridescent blue toilets not to mention you'll see a even longer line of runners waiting outside them.

One of the first things I remember about being on my high school team was how quickly we all jumped into talking about our digestive cycles.

Runners share a bond because since day one it's something we've all become comfortable with talking about for the simple fact that everyone poops and everyone pees (again I said it).

The worst position to be in is 15 miles deep into the woods when you realize you have to go number two.

Trust me.

Not only have you more than likely forgot to bring along a few sheets of toilet paper but at this point your bodies extremely tired and more than likely having a hard time holding things in, if you get my drift.

Then there is peeing while racing.

This Runners World forum discusses a variety of times that fellow runners have witnessed or taken part in peeing during a race. The first time I saw this happen was at the New York State Cross Country Championship meet my freshman or sophomore year of high school. I would say at least 4 out of the top 10 female finishers had wet their Spankies. I was a little put off by this but soon realized the likelihood of this happening to myself, or one of my teammates was basically inevitable.

You maybe asking yourself the question "Why do runners pee during a race?" You have to understand that the amount of fluids that runners take in daily is way more than the daily human. This is especially the case for marathon runners. So the combination of drinking an excess amount of fluids and running for as long as six hours at a time equals a large chance for urination. Not to mention that fact that your body is completely drained allowing all effort from your muscles to focus on moving your legs and not holding in your bladder.

Paula Radcliffe a nationally known marathon runner shows us how to relieve yourself in a classy manner while running and going on to win the London Marathon.

Whether you're a high school athlete or a world famous one, this kind of stuff happens. If it happens to you don't be embarrassed if you're witnessing this try not to cringe and always remember bring an extra pair of underwear.