About to start week 8. Still not sure when the... - Couch to 5K

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About to start week 8. Still not sure when the best time to run is and whether I should eat before or not?

mbh_69 profile image
7 Replies

I've done most of my runs first thing in the morning before breakfast. I've tried a few at other times but sometimes get tired. Not sure how much to eat before and whether it makes a difference if I haven't eaten?

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mbh_69 profile image
mbh_69
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7 Replies
misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

I always eat a meal at least an hour before running. It's always porridge or muesli. I leave it to go down for an hour to 90 minutes before going out running. I couldn't run on empty but many people do. I need the fuel to keep me going

malimaio profile image
malimaio

if u don't have time to wait for your meal to settle maybe you could eat some kind of fruit (banana is a good choice), yogurt or protein shake, also for instant energy boost dried fruits r excellent choice (like raisins) cuz they give you energy very fast, still wait for 15-20 min before u go running

Becca66 profile image
Becca66Graduate

Running on empty first thing in the morning can leave you feeling really drained after a rather short jog. I find a small bowl of porridge left to go down for half an hour does the trick - well, it worked for Week 5 Run 3.

Juliapunt profile image
Juliapunt

When i run in the morning I like to eat some almonds (5) before i go. And if i go running during the day i'll go an hour after a meal or half an hour after a snack. I LOVE ricecrackers, with almond butter and banana topped with cinnomon before runs.

JeanieL profile image
JeanieLGraduate

I am glad you asked this and got some great advice. I too tend to run on empty stomach about an hour after I get up (after walking my dog first) and feel tired now I am doing the 25 mins (wk 7). I just thought best to run then eat but I will try the advice above and eat at least a banana before I go and see if it helps me :)

Windswept1 profile image
Windswept1Graduate

Because I don't take much else in the way of sweet things I find a half glass of fruit juice sees me through a pre- breakfast 30 minutes. Now I am looking at doing longer distances an experienced running friend is suggesting an isotonic sports drink.

I then look forward to breakfast afterwards.

Jol_Keen profile image
Jol_KeenGraduate

Banana about 25-30 mins before a run for me also with some almonds. Post run snack is dried fruit and plenty of water.

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