I do my runs first thing in the morning before I do anything else. At the moment I don’t eat before running either. Does this work or should I have a couple of bites of a banana or something just before heading out?
Also I’m doing intermittent fasting where I don’t eat for 16 hours (including sleeping time) and eat for 8 hours. Seeing as C25K is for three days a week only shall I just do the fasting on the days I’m not running?
What does everyone think? Is there anyone else doing the fasting?
Written by
BreakfastClub
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I did the same 16:8 fasting for while. I think I got to about week 6 before it became a problem. I sometimes ran in the mornings sometimes later in the day depending on work. I graduated in February and am now running 5k three times a week, and sometimes a bit further. I am fasting again now in an attempt to shift a few more pounds but I struggle to run on an empty stomach so if I need to run in the morning I have a slice of toast with peanut butter or a banana. I don’t find it a problem at all though if I am running later in the day.
I tried the fasting but tbh it just wasn't for me. What I done was made sure my last meal was porridge as it will release slowly for you. It helped in my moring runs. Just make sure your well hydrated. Good luck in the fasting. As say I got to week 4 but just wasn't for me.
Good plan with the porridge. I usually take some overnight oats to work with me and have my breakfast there. It keeps me full til lunch. Could try it before bed too
I'm a morning runner and also do 16:8 fasting. Typically my eating window begins at 11/noon, so I'm coming to the end of my fast when I'm exercising. At that time in the cycle I'm using stored fat as a fuel source, and am still able to complete a run and an upper body strength workout without breaking the fast. Last week I ran 5K on an "empty stomach".
That aside, there are some days when I feel that I'd like to eat earlier In that case, I'd only eat a light breakfast a few hours before exercising. I can't run with food/coffee sloshing around in my stomach.
To eat/not eat - there's no right or wrong answer. It works for me but you have to listen to your own body. You'll know when you're in your best condition.
I’m a morning runner, if I’m going into the office I get up at 5.15 to do my run, I just have a mouthful of water and go. If it’s the weekend or I’m working from home I have a banana and cup of tea wait about an hour or so then go, both work for me.
Thanks so much. That is very similar to what I have been doing for the past week. Didn’t know if I was doing it right but it seems everyone is different. I’m just not an early breakfast type of person so it’s good to know I can still do the run without it. ⭐️
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
In that case, I'd only eat a light breakfast a few hours before exercising. I can't run with food/coffee sloshing around in my stomach. 
Post Grad Aches & Pains
Consolidation run 2 - struggles!
Update! Running and the journey so far!
Treadmill running
At Week 5 and really struggling with pace and constant aches.
