Where the heck are we meant to pee?

When I go through my “race day check” essentials, the list is fairly concise and to the point.
* Do I have trainers? Check.
* Waterproof jacket? Check.
* Do I know the route? Ish.

Admittedly at that point, I worry less about where I might be popping to the loo, which is ironic given the inevitability of this situation on a longer race. And of course, with that inevitability, dawns the reality of how intense the situation can be.

Head torch off, frantically trying to conceal myself behind a bush around 2am on an ultramarathon, after half an hour of strategically eyeing any suitable leafy landmarks. I am not currently worrying if I have eaten in the last 20 minutes or how precarious the path is before me. I just want the loo. All this going through my head while up a mountain in the Alps, at around 2000m above sea level.

I do not think this is a shared issue with our male counterparts, who barely slow their cadence for a quick turn away from the path to alleviate with ease. Pit stops during racing for them are mainly about tactical race decisions (linked to getting access to nutrition or layering), not simply about where to go for “ a number one”,  which, given how much we should be keeping hydrated, is likely to be frequent. Don't get us wrong guys, we're just jealous!

I try to tell myself “what happens on the trail stays on the trail” but over the years this has not evoked enough confidence in myself to just “drop trow” confidently wherever I am, in the same way a man can on the path. So, ladies, what are our options?

The “Shewee”
God help us. For those not familiar, this is a plastic funnel. Enough said.
In my opinion, race day brings enough to think about, let alone a detachable funnel that still requires faffing, clothes shifting and careful coordination. Whether 5km in or 50km, my mind is on important things like “am I drinking enough? “does anything hurt?”, and shouldn’t be on pressing bladder matters that require searching my race kit for a plastic pipe.

Bushwacking
Personally, my preferred method. As nature intended. After all, the sheep do it, so why can’t we?
Instructions: Find a suitably sheltered (and not thorny) bush or large rock. Which is possible on a forest covered trail. Less so on the Marathon des Sables, I'd imagine. Note to runners: Watch out for ants. And nettles.

Given this option is the most common, most natural and most opted for, how can we prep for this and feel confident on race day?

- Avoid diuretics
I am not a doctor, but anything that makes you “go more” is probably good to avoid. Coffee is the nemesis of this, but-let’s face it- is a race day essential to get everything firing.
Alternatively, caffeine can be found in other options (for instance combined with electrolytes or in gummies, such as Cliff Shotbloks), curbing the post-brew issue. Otherwise, simply opt for a smaller coffee before you go.

- Research checkpoint and race day facilities
Well-organised events should tell you what is available before, during and after the race. Many events have porta cabins along the route. Do not be frightened to contact the organisers prior to the event for peace of mind. It really is their responsibility to those who are paying to take part in their race should have facilities on hand that are accessible for all.

Chat to others who have done the race before, as knowledge is power in these situations. If you are well informed that, for instance, your race starts with an exposed ridge scramble, this is good intel to not down all your Cambelbak too soon.

Fear not though Adventure Runners, we have your backs! If you are new to the sport or to racing, hopping on to trips such as ours are a great way to share experiences of race day possibilities and eventualities, and most importantly grow in confidence that you really can handle these things. Luckily with many strategic refuge and pit stops built into our trips, you can run stress-free. You don’t have to think about anything other than running and having a blast.

The number one priority
Let’s be clear, at the end of the day, we want to encourage more women to get involved in running and racing. With the recent launch of the Threshold Ultra 50:50 white paper along with SheRACES, the stats are in: their findings highlight that we need more women competing alongside the men. Thankfully, and given their findings, they plan to launch big things to make this happen and encourage women in the sport. 

So race organisers: let’s get the ball rolling and keep PBs as personal bests that we are chasing, rather than worrying about our next “Pee Break”.

Milly Voice is an ultra-runner and co-host of the ME and Sport podcast. Photo by Tommy Leeming.