Running before eating?: Today i went out and... - Couch to 5K

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Running before eating?

Jonjo12354 profile image
14 Replies

Today i went out and done W8R2 before eating any breakfast and the run felt so much harder than usual even within the first 5/10mins! I didnt help myself towards the end by taking a wrong turn on this new route which im doing which meant running up a steep hill for a good 5mins! So is it okay to run before eating or is it best to eat something?

Thanks

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Jonjo12354 profile image
Jonjo12354
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14 Replies
RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunGraduate

I only eat a slice or two of toast with butter or peanut butter but that’s at least an hour or two before I head out. Oh and an espresso or two to wake me up and get the heart going! Maybe you ate too much or ran too soon after?

I never eat before a run. I prefer it that way.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

If running 5k, I will have half a banana and a pint of fluid immediately before going out of the door. Increase that to a whole banana for a 10k plus run.

The problem with eating before a run is that you need to let it settle before you run, which can be impossible for early pre work runs, hence my solution, which works for me.

If you have eaten and hydrated well the day before, there should be no need to eat before a morning run.

This is covered in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Jonjo12354 profile image
Jonjo12354 in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thanks for the advice and the link!

ebcroquet profile image
ebcroquet

I don’t eat before a run 🏃‍♀️ my reward is a big piece of buttery toast when I get back 🤣. I go first thing so wouldn’t have time for it to settle. I gather a cup of coffee beforehand can increase your speed 😅

Razouski profile image
Razouski

I only have a mug of tea before running, but as I run first thing this is all I need, even running 10k or further I’m ok.

I do make sure I’ve drunk plenty of fluid the evening before and had a sensible meal.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

I eat before a run. Couldn’t do it otherwise. It’s isually porridge for me an hour or two before

If I need something quick, and in less time than two hours, I do a piece of white toast with peanut butter (white bread is easier to,digest than wholemeal)

We’re all different. You will evolve what suits you. I hate being hungry on a run though. You can always take something out with you to nibble on 😋

Seasidepanda profile image
SeasidepandaGraduate

I have had either a banana or a handful of almonds with a pint of water before I’ve done early runs. Seems ok...

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris

Out of bed. Decent cup of coffee and go. Lots of stuff about running is in your head. If you think you are going to struggle you probably will. Having said that, I have no intention of giving up the coffee.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Whatever feels right for you.. for m it is always a cup of tea and two digestive light bikkies.. About an hour before I run.. I run early :)

Then breakfast tastes great after a good stretch and a shower:) Being retired has its benefits:)

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

I prefer not to eat before an early run unless it’s more than 6 miles. However I do ensure I eat well the night before.... it sounds like you may benefit from something before you go.... perhaps a banana or toast an hour or two before?

runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate

Up to the individual. I always eat before a run. And even run a yearly race that involves eating en route 😀. Don't think I'd last without food beforehand, as long as it's not too fatty I seem to be okay.

Theziggy profile image
TheziggyGraduate

Very interesting experiment done here - bbc.co.uk/programmes/articl... which suggests that it depends on what gender you are!!!

Prim2 profile image
Prim2Graduate

Hi, For me I need to leave at least 2 hrs after I’ve eaten a meal. Otherwise, I feel it’s so much harder to get going. I’m on week 5 of the ct5k. I must admit I love drinking my Capri Orange and eating a breakfast bar post run, I keep them in the boot! 😉

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