Breakfast before or after?

[fran213]

Hi ALL, I'm new to the couch to 5k, all 13 stone of me but I have managed to get to week 3 (painfully) can anyone give me a bit of advice, when is the best time to eat breakfast before or after running ?

[Wizziewood]

Hi, welcome and well done for getting to W3!

I like to run early so just have a banana before I go out. Then when I get home after stretching and a shower I treat myself to berries, yoghurt, toast and coffee while I catch up with the forum posts!

I don't like to have too much in my stomach when I run but you must do what's right for you.

Good luck and happy running!

[Karen-j]

I run in the morning and eat after as I think I would be sick if I ate before! I am only on week 3 so don't know if that will change the more I progress.

[AngeScott Graduate]

I have breakfast after, just have a mouthful of water before I go out and then enjoy my breakfast when I get back 👍

[Hidden]

You need to leave 1 - 2 hours after eating a meal before running. I can't run before breakfast. Me and low blood sugar don't mix. I have 2 plain biscuits and a glass of water if I run first thing then breakfast when I get back. Works for me but you need to experiment and see what works for you. Plenty of people do run before breakfast without eating anything without problems.

[DannyMcNeill58]

I also eat after running. I don't think I could manage a run on an even partially full stomach. Having said that, a black coffee before running is mandatory.

[Rignold]

If weight loss is part of your reason for running, then fasted will yield better results. Also, having your breakfast within 20 to 30 minutes of finishing will result in you metabolising any carbs better. Don't be tempted to up the amount though.

[lardofale Graduate]

I started off leaping out of bed at 5:15am and straight into the great outdoors (remembering to dress first of course!) with no food or drink. Shock tactics for my body but it worked well! The breakfast and tea/water on my return tasted all the better for it!

[Josupermum]

Hi Hun well done I tend to go in mornings before work. I went today after work to start week 4 and my calves cramped and seized up so will start wk3 again and continue in the morning x