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with these animals, and what to do if you do run into them. There are few general rules that apply to all animals, aside from giving them plenty of space. In addition, don’t provoke them and don’t mess with their young. If you encounter a large predatory mammal, it’s generally a bad idea to run away, because that triggers their hunting response. Do not underestimate the ability of large herbivores to hurt you. Moose, elk, deer, javelinas, and even cows can inflict serious bodily harm. Getting away from a large herbivore is almost always a good idea, especially when you can change directions a few times, darting back and forth. Don’t be frightened if you learn you will be running in venomous snake territory. Instead, learn what the relevant snakes look like as well as when and where you’re most likely to encounter them. After that, all you have to do is keep a keen eye on the trail. Unless you’re prone to anaphylactic shock, insects in the United States represent little more than an annoyance while running.

Does a Bear **** in the Woods?

Eventually, running the trails means going to the bathroom in the great outdoors. This may cause trepidation among some runners, so I’ve included some advice on going about your business. My primary suggestion is to be courteous to others. If you plan on bringing wiping paper on your run, I recommend paper towels over toilet paper—they hold up better when subjected to perspiration or wet environments.

For Men

Guys, chances are you’ve been urinating outside for most of your life. Even if you haven’t, don’t be anxious. So long as you attempt to be discreet, peeing in the wilderness is widely accepted. On a training run, pull off the side of the trail in a location where cover obscures your front, but where you can see at least a few dozen yards down the trail in both directions. Having these sight lines allows you to turn your body away if you see someone approaching rather than being caught by surprise. In a race, head to the side of the trail and urinate off the trail while facing primarily in the direction of travel, but skewed 15 or 20 degrees off the trail so you shield runners as they pass by. During races, some men attempt to urinate while walking or running. This is a skill acquired with practice; it can be mess, and it’s not always much faster than a quick pit stop.

For Women

You should know that it’s okay for women to urinate outdoors and even to do so in a setting as public as a trail race. How you urinate on the trail is dictated by what you’re wearing. If you have on tights or compression shorts, then step to the side of the trail and turn to face the direction you came from, or step off the trail into cover and turn to face the trail, skewing slightly in the direction from which you came. From there, it’s time to squat. Note that squatting can be difficult on tired legs late in an ultra. If you’re wearing running shorts or a skirt with a brief, then you could instead step to the side of the trail and face the direction you’re headed while skewed slightly off the trail, or step off the trail into cover and turn to face the trail, skewing slightly in the direction toward which you’re headed. Spread your legs shoulder width or slightly farther apart, pull the briefs to the side, and urinate standing up. Of course, if you’re sporting a bottom with a brief, you can still use the squat method as described for the tights wearer.

Defecating in the Woods

Once you’ve got an urge that warrants the use of a portable toilet, there’s little going back. To lessen the likelihood of that urge during a race, try limiting the amount of fiber in your lunch and dinner the day preceding the race. For an ultra, plan ahead by carrying two or three loperamide tablets (Imodium AD). Then, if you feel a bout of diarrhea coming on, try popping a pair to at least limit the number of bathroom breaks.

When the urge is irresistible, discretion is key. First and foremost, get off the trail. Try to find an easily accessible barrier 5 or 10 yards off the trail. While facing the trail,