What to Eat

[Twigmango]

When I first started running almost a year ago I was able to fit in my running during the day - 11am/2pm which seemed to suit my body clock...? At the moment, due to work constraints I often don't run until 7 & 8pm and wondered what can I eat to give me some energy & at what time? I do seem to struggle with these evening runs. Should I have something like a banana? I'm not a fan of white carbs (ir theure not a fan of me) so would rather not consume them... Thanks!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I can manage a banana literally as I head out for a run. I tried this as you see long distance runners munching bananas. You could try a half 1st if in doubt

[Twigmango 60minGraduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

Thanks Grannyhugs Yes, think a half a banana is worth a shot tonight as I am heading out. Aiming on a 55min run.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Twigmango]

Enjoy, hope it's not too cold.

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Are you hungry at that time, or just tired as its the end of the day? A mid afternoon snack would probably help... how far do you go?

[Twigmango 60minGraduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Hi, not hungry. I tend to have a later lunch about 2. I just feel that my legs are running on empty by 7.. Maybe 6/7km.. mid afternoon snack I think is the way to go, just wondering what one is best!

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to Twigmango]

sounds like tiredness more, and a mid afternoon snack will certainly give you some assistance!

[Hidden in reply to Twigmango]

I might have a yogurt with seeds or dried fruit as an afternoon snack. Or oat/rice cakes with peanut butter. A little fuel will help you I think

[Twigmango 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

Think so too, have had a banana so let's see. Dried fruit/oatcakes - will give them a go too!

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

Banana and more water sounds good until you get dinner 😊

[Twigmango 60minGraduate in reply to Buddy34]

That's my plan tonight!

[damienair Administrator]

I run in the evenings after work. Usually go running at around 8pm. I have a light lunch at 1-2pm and then have my dinner at around 6pm with my family just as I get home from work. At 7:30 to 8pm my dinner is settled and I’m usually fine to go for a run. I’m on a healthy buzz again so I keep my portions smaller than usual.

Damien

[Twigmango 60minGraduate in reply to damienair]

Thanks for this. I find it takes me 2-3 hours after a proper meal so hopefully banana/oat cakes will work!

[Run46 Graduate10]

I have a couple of jelly babies when I get home, before I get changed and warm up etc...in case you find the banana doesn't suit you 👍

[Twigmango 60minGraduate in reply to Run46]

Hi Run46 - ooh thanks for that too! Just a couple, right?

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Twigmango]

Lol, I'm afraid so....2 or maybe a 3rd if I'm doing longer than 5K. Though if 2 I usually treat myself to the 3rd when I get in 👍

[JaoJao Graduate10]

Assuming you’ll have a lunch at lunchtime, I’d say have a banana around 3-4pm. No later. I sometimes found that when I had a big lunch, like a pizza, it would come back up during my evening runs, I struggled for a few weeks and posted an indigestion post. I then stopped running on the days I had pizza for lunch and when I did do an evening run I made sure I snacked no later than 3pm. Snack could be peanut butter on bread, or a single slice of bread sandwich folded (half a sandwich), banana, apple, yoghurt.

[Twigmango 60minGraduate in reply to JaoJao]

JaoJao thank you! I'm very similar to you in that a big meal at whatever time just does not agree with my running, hence why I love the 10.30/11am runs. Peanut butter is popular - may need to force myself to embrace it! And have a jelly baby treat after!