If you run in the morning first thing, do you eat or drink first?

[sarah-b]

[imnorunner Graduate]

I do, I eat an hour before and have porridge if possible

[CouchtoKiltLegs Graduate]

When I run in the morning I have a glass of water as soon as I wake up as that makes sure I am hydrated. I make sure and leave it at least 15 minutes before I run after my drink though. The though of a tasty breakfast after my run can keep me going.

[sarah-b Graduate]

Thank you imnorunner! I did my first run (ever) this morning and apparently foolishly I didn't eat or drink before hand. Felt extremely sick while running! I will get up earlier and eat in future.

[lycranotlikely Graduate]

We have a cup of tea with half a banana about half an hour before we run. It feels right for us.

[Landesman Graduate]

I run at first light and don't eat or drink anything beforehand - but then I don't normally eat breakfast either, so it suits me. Go with what works for you.

[sarah-b Graduate]

Thanks all, I have always eaten breakfast as soon as I get up as I'm always starving first thing, so perhaps something light would be wise - I will try a small bowl of cereal about half an hour before I think and see how that goes. Good to hear so many viewpoints, thanks again.

[dottiemay Graduate]

A bowl of cornflakes and a small glass of orange juice works for me! Don't think I could run on an empty stomach. :-0

[Hidden]

I always try and run in the morning as its too easy not to find time to run in the evening. I don't eat or drink anything until I get back from my run and have not had any problems.

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

I like to run straight from getting up (though as I work shifts it's sometimes 3pm ish!) I have a drink of water and a banana about 15 minutes before I go out, and have done fine on that, no stitches or light headedness...

[Cazvs Graduate]

I usually have a banana or a handful of raisins and nuts, and a few cups of tea before I go out, then a couple of poached eggs on toast when I get in.

[DavD Graduate]

I always drink a glass of water as soon as I get up because it's the first thing your body claims after 8 hours without any type of food. As taking breakfast before or after running, I'd say listen to your body: I'm usually never hungry in the morning so I run first and take my breakfast with my child and husband afterwards. If I feel I need it, I eat lightly (cereal + yoghourt) or I'd feel sick, which would be the exact opposite of what I expect from my runs! But whatever you do, please don't skip breakfast, you need fuel for either running or for the rest of your day before lunch time rings.

[PastyMan Graduate]

Only water fo me and (my copyrighted tip ) a handful of chocolate covered coffee beans (Lidl) ..... the advertising slogan is "They're rocket fuel!" - Don Draper

[lizfish]

I always eat breakfast beforehand. But then I always eat breakfast anyway. I try to leave it at least 15/30 before I actually start jogging. Normally a bowl of cereal and a cuppa. A smaller serving a porridge if it's cold. I have water with me then usually have a cheese string or yoghurt after for protein and juice-based drink like ribena or watered down juice. I have found it's best not to exercise too close to a full round of pancakes on the weekend. Ask me how I know...

[lola465 Graduate]

I've done virtually all my runs first thing and never had anything to eat or drink beforehand.....until this morning. It was quite warm and I was out late (about 8am). Partway through the run I got pretty dry mouthed! Have learned my lesson and will be having a small drink beforehand from now on.

[danzargo Graduate]

I run early morning cos this time of year it's heavenly running when no-ones about (except other runners!)

I throw 50g of oats into the microwave for about 1 1/2 mins with some milk, then splurge a teaspoon of honey into it. Glass of water. Wait 5 minutes and I've been absolutely fine with that. I have a fresh fruit smoothie with yoghurt after my shower.

[groovychick54 Graduate]

I usually Have half a banana and a drink of water or a small black coffee. I ran the Derby 10k last week on an empty stomach and felt a bit sick when I finished

[Hidden]

Just water before a run if it's first thing for me, if I eat anything I have to wait hours before running otherwise it affects my run.

[Nerdio Graduate]

I have taken to running in the morning. It's nice to get up and get out. I do have a glass of water before I go, and another as soon as I get back. Then shower and breakfast. How good does breakfast taste after that, you've earn't it.

[Beth5]

I "run" first thing so normally wake up, have a glass of squash then a banana but have found and have water to hand while "running" however have found recently that I need a bit more fuel for the longer runs (just finished W5) so have been having half portion of granola in yogurt with the banana about 30-45 minutes before I hit the treadmill in the gym. My friend convinced me to try a bigger meal a few weeks ago and I couldn't "run" for more than a minute or so as felt quite nauseous so have had to adjust... but everyone is different so has to find their way.

[DyeTiz]

I do the sessions first thing in the morning to 'get them out the way'.

I actually have a Black coffee as it's supposed (so I've read) to thin the blood a little to avoid any problems after a long time not moving & then exercising. Then after the session I'll get washed & ready & eat breakfast just before I go to work (approx 45mins after finishing the run)

I find this works for me as eating before makes me feel 'heavier' making the workout seem harder & that more effort is needed.

[sarah-b Graduate]

Well it certainly sounds like there's no right answer here, thank you all!

[runningwild Graduate]

A couple of oatcakes and water, wait half an hour then out.