Running before eating?

[Jonjo12354]

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

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

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?

[Hidden]

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

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

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 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the advice and the link!

[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]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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]

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 Administrator Graduate]

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- 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 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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

[Prim2 Graduate]

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! 😉