Fleet Feet Sports Stamford
Our Top Five Embarrassing Questions
As coaches, we get asked a lot questions by runners. Many runners, however, are afraid to ask us about
those embarrassing bodily functions. You should realize that you are not alone. We all have bodies, and
we all have experienced these embarrassing bodily functions at some point in our training.
Although we are always available to help you with answers, we drafted this document to discuss our top 5
embarrassing questions just in case you are still too embarrassed to ask us:
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Is It Normal for My Nose to “Run” While I Run?
Why Do I Develop Sore / Bloody Nipples When I Run?
Why Does My Bladder “Leak” While I Run?
What Is the Best Underwear to Wear When I Run?
What Are the Runner’s Trots
Embarrassing Question 1: Is It Normal for My Nose to “Run” While I Run?
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It is normal bodily function for runners to develop a runny nose while running, especially during
the cool months of the year. During cool weather, the body increases the production of mucus to
warm the air that you breathe. Medical studies have also shown that the body increases the
production of mucous during a work-out. It is only natural that excess mucous will drain from
your nose.
If you experience a runny nose while running, then consider carrying a small packet of tissues
with you on your next run. The zipper pockets on a running jacket will ensure that you do not lose
them during your run. In cool weather, we wear running gloves that are designed for wiping a
runny nose.
Embarrassing Question 2: Why Do I Develop Sore / Bloody Nipples When I Run?
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When men run, their nipples constantly rub against their shirts. When women run, their nipples
constantly rub against their bras. On long runs, this constant rubbing can cause the nipples to be
rubbed “raw” to the point of bleeding.!
If you experience sore / bloody nipples while running, then consider applying an anti-chaffing
lubricant, such as Body Glide, to the nipple area before you run. For women, you should also
make sure that you wear a sports bra that is not made of cotton. A good sports bra made with
technical (i.e., synthetic) materials will wick sweat away from the skin, quickly dry, be
breathable, and allow perspiration and excess heat to pass through it.! For men, you should also
consider throwing away that cotton running shirt for moisture-wicking technical apparel. Cotton
shirts collect moisture and sweat, which may result in the undesirable side effect of chaffing of
your skin during a work-out.
Embarrassing Question 3: Why Does My Bladder “Leak” While I Run?
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A leaky bladder, which is also known as urinary incontinence, is a common issue with women,
especially women who have become pregnant and given birth. Strong pelvis and sphincter
muscles handle the pressures exerted on the pelvic floor during a cough, laugh, or run. When
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these muscles become weak from pregnancy, child birth, and age, the body may “push” urine out
the bladder from sudden pressure placed on the pelvic floor. Men may also experience a leaky
bladder.!
According to medical professionals, Kegel exercises will help strengthen the pelvis and sphincter
muscles and alleviate most cases of a leaky bladder. To locate these muscles, stop urinating the
next time you go to the bathroom. Once you have located these muscles, practice contracting and
relaxing them several times a day. Over time, you should notice a reduction in the number of
leaks. You may even notice that the problem goes away.
Embarrassing Question 4: What Is the Best Underwear to Wear When I Run?
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Many runners are reluctant to talk about what they wear under their running clothes. They just
endure in silence the chaffing from wearing cotton underwear.
Like cotton shirts, cotton underwear will collect moisture and sweat, which may result in the
undesirable side effect of chaffing of your skin during a work-out. Remember, “cotton is rotten”
for running and walking because it absorbs sweat and will not release it into the air for
evaporation. For women, a good sports bra made of technical (i.e., synthetic) materials will wick
sweat away from the skin. For women and men, technical running shorts are lined either with a
brief or with a compression short made of technical fabric designed to pull moisture away from
your skin and prevent chaffing.
Embarrassing Question 5: What Are the Runner’s Trots?
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The Runner’s Trots occur when you are on a run and have the sudden urge to go to the bathroom.
We all have experienced gastrointestinal issues at some point. It can take the form of cramping,
diarrhea, or gas. It can occur either during a run or after it.!
According to medical professionals, the jostling motion of running stimulates the intestines,
which leads to GI distress. If you ingest caffeine, dairy, and high-fiber foods before you run, then
your diet could be exacerbating the issue. We recommend that you avoid caffeine, dairy, and
high-fiber foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, legumes, etc.) for at least the hour before your run. We
also recommend that you add fiber to your diet to make your body function like clockwork and to
help you go before a run. If these ideas do not help you, then maintain a log of the foods you eat
before your runs. The log may help you to identify possible triggers. !
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