Started this week

[Willy-wonka]

Hi myself and my daughter have completed W1D2 today I am feeling fab my daughter not so much but at least we have started.I have a question which hopefully someone can answer is it best to eat before a run or after?

[tomatopincushion Graduate]

Big meals after running - I think it's recommended that once you've eaten a big meal you shouldn't run for two hours. If you need a pre-run energy boost perhaps a banana would do? Well done for starting! 😊

[laurav33 Graduate]

Well done for starting the programme! And yes, don't run for two hours after a big meal.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

I personally need to eat something small before a run, even if it's a piece of fruit or a little yogurt. Experiment with it. You'll know when you've eaten too much prior to a run.

[Rignold]

It varies greatly from person to person. At this stage of the game though it doesn't make any difference really though.

[mcgurranhouse Graduate]

After, after, after! At least in my experience. However, best not to go out completely starving. If I am going for a run first thing in the morning, I probably wouldn't eat, but if I was planning to run at tea time I would have something more substantial such as pasta for lunch. Down to individual tastes I think.

[mcgurranhouse Graduate]

Forgot to say very well done to both of you for getting started - keep up the good work.

[sequinnedsinger Graduate]

Better to leave yourself at least an hour after eating a meal before you run but a snack can give you a boost about 15 minutes before if you really need it. When I do long runs I tend to have something with peanut butter after so the protein can help my muscles repair and recover but personally for me when I started c25k I didn't snack before or after. I found if I wasn't careful I started to use food as a reward and this can be a complicated mindset to get into. Hope this helps!

[Willy-wonka]

Thanks all that's helpful to know.Last run of week 1 tomorrow really looking forward to it.