Yesterday, I asked a random sampling of friends whether they'd pee during a race (without stopping) if it meant -- for example -- achieving a Boston qualifying time or a significant PR.
Some would. Chad: "If it meant the difference between qualifying for Boston or not qualifying, then yes, I would -- without hesitation." Natalie: "Absolutely. Been there, done that, got the PR."
Some wouldn't. Cathy: "Sorry, I would have to hold it." Jonathan: "Never done that, never seriously considered it. My marathon PR includes stopping for that purpose."
Some wondered whether it's even doable. Stacey: "Now that would be a bit difficult ... !!" Bo: "Would take practice to do."
Another friend mentioned the same thing. "Seems like that would take some practice." And after reading their responses, I couldn't get the image of some guy practicing wetting his pants while doing a 7-minute-per-mile pace along the Greenway. I mean, is that something you'd want to practice?
Anyway, I know this isn't the most pleasant of subjects. But ... thoughts on this? Would you? Could you?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
What if you've gotta go ... while on the go?
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8 comments:
I know triathlons training for IM distance often practice peeing on their bikes- literally.
I run so slowly, I would just not be justified in going pee on the run. I guess one upside to being at the back of the pack- you'll never have to choose between wetting yourself or winning a race.
There is a hardcore runner's thread on Runners World->Trail running->peeing while running that is absolutely hilarious. This is apparently a hot topic.
Wow, that is a dilemma. Glad to report that I've never been faced with this choice during a race - I go out of my way to 'take care of business' beforehand. Not sure what I'd do if faced with bladder injury or Boston qualifying. I hope I never find out!
Death, taxes and waiting in a long line for the Port-A-John before a popular race.
I waited in line for an hour before one race, so it's a legitimate concern for those who want to start up front.
The call of nature seriously messed me up on my first half-marathon (this year's Alston & Bird cup here in Charlotte).
I really had to go around mile six, but I held it.I saw some port-a-jons near the drink station at mile eight and got in line. There were only two people in front of me so I figured it wouldn't take long. Five minutes later, and I was ready to just go in the bushes!
It was my first big race, so I wasn't shooting for a certain time, I just wanted to complete it. Still, losing five minutes got under my skin and when I got out of the port-a-jon I took off...right up a hill. By the end of mile 11 I was ready to fall over! Lesson learned.
So would I ever pee while running? No, I'm not even sure my body would permit it. Would I go in the bushes to skip waiting in a five minute line? Heck yes.
PS-I'm really digging the blog, I linked to it on mine. Just started doing the running thing in November 2008. Got my second half marathon in Sept. in VA Beach.
I don't think I physically could pee while running. I would need to stop and concentrate for a second. But if I had to, I certainly would. By the end of races, I'm convered in sweat anyway, so the pee would probably just blend in.
I volunteered at the finish line at last year's Thunder Road marathon. Believe me, there are much worse things to have running down your legs than pee....
p.s. I will NEVER work at the finish line again!
Theo, can you pop over and show the Panthers guys how to post a blog? Thanks.
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