Opinions please

I go running at 6am, I don’t eat or drink beforehand but I do take a bottle of water with me and then have a drink and a small snack when I get home, I feel that running first thing in the morning is a good time to run, there’s not many people about and it sets me up for the day, what are other people’s opinions and advice regarding eating and drinking before or after running?

[Pc59 Graduate]

For me i always have a cup of tea more to waken ne up😂and sometimes depending how i feel a bannana. Happy running 😊

[LouIselsqy Graduate]

Sounds a good approach to me. I like to run in a fasted state - I feel lighter as I run and as long as I’m hydrated I avoid a stitch. I used to carb up a little, few hours before running occasionally when I was following the C25k programme but I didn't need to. I’ve learned a lot from experience and this great community 😃

[Hidden]

Good morning. I pretty much do like you. I prefer to run in the morning and on a empty stomach. I just simply feel better when running. I will drink water before and afterwards and sometimes have a banana beforehand but I don't like bananas as it is and so I prefer to go without.

After my run, I don't have much appetite but I will have something to eat once I get home.

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

I always have an large glass of water before I run, even if I don’t eat. Need to make sure well hydrated, I think that was the advice I was given 😊

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

I am a morning runner too and love the peace and quiet of the mornings! Coffee and a glass of water for me - cannot face eating before a run! But I have a good breakfast (usually eggs and fruit) when I get back to set me up for the day.

Whatever works for you - it's trial and error and very individual!

Happy running! 🏃‍♀️

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

I’m an early morning girl to,water only before l run l like to run on an empty stomach much more comfortable. Running takes my appetite away and l have my overnight oats at work between 9-10 am. I know once my distance starts to increase l may have to adjust this. Happy running 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️👍

[mrrun Graduate]

Full English with a tart on the side. If mood takes me there will be two brownies as well, why not, you only live once. Given the early hour l obviously won't drink alcohol but l will down two non-alcoholic beers.

On a slightly more serious note, you don't need much for such a short run. For either 5K or 10K l will have either a banana or a hard boiled egg. No tea or coffee, just a glass of water. I don't drink when running simply because l will be well hydrated from the day before and the body is more that capable of handling short exercises without added water.

Works for me

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Sounds good. I am similar. Morning run before breakfast, though I have a small glass of water beforehand and don't take any water with me.

I didn't want to get used to being dependent on having the water with me, like a comfort blanket - its just another thing to carry, and another thing to prevent you (or hold you up from) running when you misplace it first thing in the morning.

Whilst you're still building up, try running without water, or with the bottle, but see how far you can go without needing to sip. You may find, like me, that you don't need it at all.

[Hidden in reply to Whatsapp]

I don’t tend to drink much water while I’m running I really only use it to wet my wet and throat so they don’t get sore haven’t mastered the in through nose out through the mouth breathing skill yet I’m still breathing in and out through my mouth x

[Whatsapp Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I wouldn't worry about trying to adapt your breathing. Your body knows what its doing.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Wet my wet ... what? Wet my mouth is what I meant to say lol x

[Hidden]

If it works for you then it's fine. I can't run without eating but plenty of people can. Make sure you keep hydrated by drinking plenty after but no need to take water with you, unless you are running in really extreme heat I guess but not for the temperatures we get in the UK.

[Jenny1970 Graduate]

I sometimes run before breakfast. I have to have a coffee first though! On return I have a shower then breakfast. I didn’t used to like early morning runs but I really enjoy them now (the hardest bit is getting out of bed!)