To breakfast or not?

[CateBlack]

I’d love to hear some thoughts on eating or not before an early morning run. Sometimes that’s the point in the day I have time to do but never know whether I must eat first and if so how long before I run?

Thanks everyone!!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Depends how much time you have and what it is. Something very light and quick to digest like a banana is fine about 30-60 minutes before... full English with all the trimming... 4 hours. Personally I’d get up, get out and run and then breakfast.

[CateBlack in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Happy with that 😊

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to CateBlack]

runnersworld.com/beginner/a...

[Runadink Graduate]

I don't eat before a run, I find it makes me feel sick while I'm running. I also only drink water, I had coffee twice pre running and didn't have a good one.

[buzzards Graduate]

No food or drink prior to my runs at 6.00 am either. I have done 3 Parkruns and I only have a little water before them. I prefer to wait until after so I don't get stitches or need the loo

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

I run mid to late afternoon but leave at least an hour n a half after my lunch (which is often a late one). Don’t fancy the idea of running early with no food in my belly at all lol 😂

[Jell6 Graduate]

I don't eat or drink anything before I run, generally I am out before 06.00.

If you drank well the day before you should be fine.

Whatever you feel comfortable with though.

[snagsboson Graduate]

It’s a catch 22 really. Have nothing, you’re running on empty, literally. I prefer to have at least some carbs begore I go or I feel like no energy and my legs suffer more than usual due to low glycogen levels.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Most of my running is first thing in the morning and my routine has been from the start of C25K to have half a banana and a pint of lukewarm very dilute apple juice, immediately before leaving the house. A whole banana for 10k.

This works for me.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I always have had a cuppa, two digestive lights about 45 mins before.. then a drink of water before I leave the house...just my routine... and then a yummy breakfast after the run and the shower Favourite is avocado on home made bread/toast.... with a poached egg on top !!! Yumsters!

[RuthMargaret Graduate]

I always had a small portion of cereal about an hour before. I'm changing my thoughts on this though, because I am coming back to running after a break. I'm going to try banana, yogurt or try looking up recipes for energy balls made of healthy stuff. It's interesting to see what other people do, as everyone is very different.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

I have a hot drink and a couple of slices of bread and jam. I wait 30-60’ before running mainly because I’m doing stuff round the house. I suppose it depends if you are hungry or not but some water and half a banana or similar would probably be a minimum for me regardless of the time!

[Middleagedmummy Graduate]

I eat breakfast - cereal and a banana with milk and a glass of juice and then run anything from 10 minutes to an hour after. Tried running in the past without eating anything and on two occasions had to be rescued after becoming faint while running. So I’m definitely an eat and then run person.

[Basil1066 Graduate]

I don't eat nor drink before I run (maybe a sip of water) and .then a small sip when i get back. I normally don't feel at all hungry for at leats a couple of hours after I've finished. Of course, everyone is different so do whatever feels comfortable for you.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

I’m not really a morning runner but I’ve found that when it’s necessary to go out early, a small glass of water is good but food isn’t. I like to leave at least two hours between meals and running - much less risk of nausea. Trial and error is the only way to be sure what works for you. Have fun experimenting 😄