What to eat before a run

[Laureth]

I went out last night for a run and only managed 20 mins as I was so hungry I felt faint. I had a banana before my run but it wasn't enough. Whats the best thing to eat pre run??

[Hidden]

I think a nice big banana is ample, however I do suggest eating something large the night before....

[Returning2Run Graduate]

Had you drunk and eaten enough throughout the day?

[Laureth Graduate in reply to Returning2Run]

Perhaps not. I will make sure I eat more tomorrow.

[Returning2Run Graduate in reply to Laureth]

Let us know how it goes, could also be a speed thing if you're going too fast without realising

[secan Graduate]

How long before your run you had a banana? You have to give it time to be digested and absorbed by your body, otherwise it will simply sit in your stomach providing no energy at all during the run...

[secan Graduate]

Here it is an article on the topic: livestrong.com/article/4768...

[Laureth Graduate in reply to secan]

Thanks I'll take a look at this.

[Sarah-A Graduate]

On a weekend morning I generally don't eat before a run, but during the week I will have had brekkie and a good lunch before I early evening.

I would say hydration is key. Make sure you've had plenty of fluids throughout the day.

[Coddfish Graduate]

I think your issue might have been inadequate hydration rather than hunger; at 20 minutes you are not likely to be needing to access your body's food stores. It's also not a good idea to eat in volume immediately before running as you are likely to get cramp.

I always run first thing on an empty stomach and have never had a problem.

[Hidden]

It is an individual thing, rather like hydration it is an on going day long thing , some like to eat before a run some don't,

[cathalicious Graduate]

I also prefer to run in the morning on an empty stomach. Evening runs may be different, especially if you have not had enough to eat during the day. As others have said, it is an individual thing. The important thing is to stay hydrated and to make sure you eat a small snack after your run to restore your glycogen levels.