Why I Do a Colonic and Enema Before a Marathon

Running a marathon does funny things to your stomach, both before the starting gun goes off and throughout the race itself. First, there’s the anxiety. Ask any seasoned runner and they’ll tell you: the longest line at a race isn’t at the starting line - it’s at the toilets. That’s because marathon nerves are real. Whether it’s your first time running a marathon or your fiftieth, the anticipation, the adrenaline, and often a big dose of morning caffeine can send your gut into chaos.

And then there’s the running itself. The physical act of long-distance running has a well-documented impact on your digestive system. Blood flow is redirected away from your gastrointestinal tract and toward the muscles doing the work, which can lead to discomfort, cramping, and, for many runners, an urgent need for a bathroom, sometimes more than once during a race.

But needing to go mid-race is the last thing I want on my mind when I’m aiming for a personal best or simply trying to enjoy the run. That’s why I’ve made colon cleansing, specifically a colonic followed by an enema, part of my pre-race routine. It might sound unconventional, but for me, it’s a total game-changer.

Step 1: Do a colonic the day before the marathon

I always try to book a colonic the day before a race. If I have time in the week leading up to it, I’ll often schedule two or three sessions to really feel my best. For anyone unfamiliar, a colonic involves a trained therapist gently flushing the colon with warm, filtered water using a small tube inserted into the rectum. The water helps to loosen and remove waste, gas, and toxins that have built up over time.

I know it might sound a little intense, especially if you haven’t done one before, but I genuinely walk out of each session feeling lighter, less bloated, and more energised. For a sport that’s all about endurance, comfort, and mental focus, that feeling is worth everything.

Step 2: Do a water enema the morning of the marathon

On race morning, after I’ve eaten something small and hydrating, I usually do a quick warm water enema before leaving the house. It only takes a few minutes, and the results are fast. Enemas work by softening stool and expanding the colon slightly, which triggers the natural contractions of the bowel known. This encourages a more complete evacuation than you might normally have first thing in the morning. The warmth of the water also helps relax the muscles in your digestive tract

Between the colonic the day before and the water enema the morning of, I feel lighter, cleaner, and far more focused. I’m not preoccupied with my stomach, and I’m not wasting mental energy worrying about an emergency toilet stop mid-race. Instead, I can put all my attention where it belongs: on the course, my pace, and crossing that finish line.

Happy running everyone!

And, when you’re done, and you’re looking for a delicious probiotic, try the Happy Bum Gut Food. Turn it into a smoothie and you’ve got yourself an amazing post-run drink!