How is it possible for a woman to pee standing up?

Dear Coach,

I’ve heard women can pee standing but can’t imagine doing it without making a total mess. How is it possible?

E.L., Eureka, Calif.

Non-outdoors women might stare in shock when they hear about women peeing while standing. Really, it’s not only possible, but it’s also a mandatory talent to acquire, especially for long adventures in the woods or backcountry (think trail running or mountain biking or even just hiking).

Coach can’t forget the first time she saw a pro-ultra runner pull off on the side of the trail and let a stream rip. Verrrrry impressive. She mulled it over for the rest of the 22-mile run, and then had to try it herself. Why? With standing, you don’t have to bare your butt (assuming you’re wearing shorts or even short tights or bike tights), and you don’t have to add extra fatigue to your leg muscles by squatting. Plus, simply put, it’s faster. And, practically speaking, it can keep a tick from crawling into unwelcome regions, AND you keep your posterior far away from poison ivy, oak or sumac. All positives, yes?

Granted, the art – yes, it is an art — takes a bit of practice. You can try it in the shower first, but put yourself to the real test as soon as you can. Coach did just that on a short run near her home on the trails after that fateful first sighting. First round: DING, you’re out (wet socks aren’t dandy trail companions). Next day’s run was longer and she tried again – wow! Look at that! – and then she came home to show off her talents in the backyard to her eye-rolling husband.

Here’s what you do:

• You need to have on shorts or at least stretchy thigh-length tights. Pull one leg (and any liners, mind you, but that’s another story) up and to the side to expose the…er… necessary body part.

• Stand with feet wide. Really wide.

• Make sure you aren’t over a rocky or hard-pack area (don’t want splatters all over shoes, socks and lower legs).

• Sway your back a little to stick out your butt (helps the stream go to the front because aside from wet socks nothing’s worse than a wet butt).

• Then let ‘er rip. It helps if you really have to GO when you’re first learning. But even just a small relieving is possible without wet-sock consequences once you’ve mastered the technique.

• When you’re done, take a tip from the guys: Give yourself a little tail wiggle and shake to rid any lingering drips.

By the way, one more benefit: Reactions are entertaining. The look on my husband’s face the first time I sidled up beside him on a trail outing is one I’ll never forget! Although I’ve still only managed to write part of my name. I mean, it IS a long name.

–Therese Iknoian

Ask the Coach yourself!

Got a question for the Coach at Adventure Network + Total Fitness Network? Send her an email directly by clicking here and ask away. Not all questions will appear on Adventure Network, and Coach can’t answer most questions individually. But she’ll choose the best of the best for publication.

The “Coach,” Therese Iknoian, has her Master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology and is an American College of Sports Medicine-certified instructor. To read more about Therese’s coaching, outdoor and fitness background, click here.