Running, IBS, Spotting?

Whew, what a topic! I've been running off and on as a means of cross training while taking rest days from the bike. I was training for a 15K in November and realize that no matter what I do, my stomach doesn't tolerate running longer distances well. Fast forward to yesterday morning. I had two cups of coffee (normal), and a bowl of cereal with a banana in it for breakfast. I went to the gym to run, probably about a hour or more after eating. I was feeling good and ran about five miles. My stomach felt find until I got off the treadmill to work on weights. I noticed that I had the usual discomfort that I experience. Got home, showered and went to lunch. Noticed that I was experiencing lower abdomen pressure, much like menstrual cramps. After that, it was three trips to the at room every few hours with loose stools. The cramping would come and go. Stopped bathroom trips last night and slept fine. Two cups of coffee this morning and another trip to the bathroom. Also noticed what appears to be spotting each trip to evacuate my bowels (and only when I have to evacuate my bowels). This episode started after running. So I imagine that seems to be the likely culprit. But has anyone else experienced the bleeding too? I did myself a grave disservice by googling this. I'm throwing it out to you ladies with the hope someone knows what I'm talking about. An appointment with my ob/gyn will be made tomorrow. But until then, any thoughts? Many thanks in advance.

Sent you a PM.

I can't speak to the bleeding, but long ago when I tried jogging/running, I also had menstrual like cramps to the point that I could not run as an activity. It seems like they were sometimes accompanied by bowel movements, but the cramps or bm's didn't last very long. Glad you are planning to make an appointment with your physician. You always need to get possible rectal bleeding checked out.

please get checked by Doc- but, for peace of mind... a lot of folks experience "runners trots"- especially with caffeine (even if you always have it.........) Your post doesn't say your age- but since menopause I often get "cramps" at weird times..............

Have you been tested for celiac disease?

Keep us posted. I can't remember the etiology, but I have heard of this before and it was explainable, so don't panic.

+1 on getting it checked out. Are you certain that the bleeding is vaginal and not coming from your bowels? If it's coming from your bowels, seeing your PCP and/or a GI person would be more appropriate than OB-Gyn.

Having said that, it's not that unusual to have bowel irritation related to running so try not to worry. The chances of it being something serious are small but the potential risk if something serious is missed is high and with serious consequences so please follow through with the MD appointment.

Thanks for the replies, all.

I'm only 26 and experienced horrible stomach cramping after the 15K I did in November. I attributed that to being dehydrated and getting over being sick.

I never seem to have a run where I don't experience even acute stomach pain, so I figured that was sort of the way it goes with running and me. I was really hoping to do a half marathon. I know my legs would do fine, but I'm pretty sure the stomach pain (followed by the stomach purge) would really keep me under water.

It was definitely vaginal bleeding. A tampon took care of it.

I stayed away from running yesterday and instead did 30 minutes on the elliptical. I thought maybe the stomach problems had to do with my erratic breathing when I run (I never have these problems when I ride), so I wanted to do something to really get my heartrate up without running. I got on the stairmaster and cranked it up to level 20 - 10.1 floors a minute. I was sweating profusely and my heart was pounding. I felt fine after that 1 hour workout.

I didn't have any problems for the rest of the night. The cramping was mostly gone. No bowel movements. I had a turkey burger wrapped in lettuce for dinner. Handled that well.

My only conclusion is that it has to do with the impact of running. Has anyone heard of the dairy colostrum supplement that runners are using for this issue? Is it just a fallacy? Would going to a sports' doctor (is there such a thing) help pinpoint the issue? I don't seem to have a problem with wheat/gluten otherwise - these bouts seem only to be spurred after running. I have regular BMs, nothing weird, scary, out of line, etc. I eat a lot of "roughage", fruit. I try to avoid those things if I know I'm going to run because I thought maybe it's too much fiber for my stomach to handle.

As you can tell through my rambling, I've tried many different things and this problem is just so darned persistent.

Again, very appreciate of the feedback. One day at a time, I guess.

I also spot when I do a longer run... I went and got checked out and the Dr didn't seem concerned at all. Apparently some women spot when working out hard. Had my hormones checked, ultrasound, etc... nothing was abnormal. I don't spot all the time, and haven't for a little while now... but I'm slowly upping my workouts. Maybe it was an overexertion thing?? I'm not sure. Although i did get checked out, I may go back if the spotting starts again... just to be sure.

And I can relate to the IBS too... it never seems to fail that every run leads to be having to go pretty bad either during or right after a run. I can try to go before, not have to go, then BOOM! I'm trying to run faster home to hit the bathroom! I have heard of trying to time runs better with your normal "cycle" but sometimes that just doesn't line up.

Did you head to the Dr? Any news there?

I also spot when I do a longer run... I went and got checked out and the Dr didn't seem concerned at all. Apparently some women spot when working out hard. Had my hormones checked, ultrasound, etc... nothing was abnormal. I don't spot all the time, and haven't for a little while now... but I'm slowly upping my workouts.