Should I eat before a run?

[Saffy_girl]

I have just completed Wk 3 run 1. I am doing my runs first thing in the morning. I get up, get ready and out the door. I only have a glass of water before going and have managed ok. I have breakfast when I get back. As the runs get longer, should I eat something before running?

[Myzinnyboy Graduate]

Myself I could not run if I had eaten anything, but I do run early in the morning.

[Saffy_girl Graduate in reply to Myzinnyboy]

That’s how I feel. I normally run at about 6am and I don’t feel like eating before I go out.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I have half a banana and a pint of very dilute apple juice immediately before I head out of the door for a 5k run. That is extravagantly increased to a whole banana for a 10k run. It works for me.

Whatever works for you.

If you have eaten and hydrated normally and adequately the day before, then there should be no necessity to eat before a morning run.

There is a brief section on this in the guide to the plan. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Saffy_girl Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for your reply. I will have a read of the guide.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Out of interest, what do you do with the other half?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Hidden]

I eat it for breakfast when I get back.

[JaoJao]

As you move on from W3 you will definitely want some energy for your runs. A small banana always works, maybe 30 mins before you head out. If I’m running early morning I also drink oolong tea (it’s like a mild green tea) it gives me that caffeine boost to wake me up a little and not feel so tired whilst running!

Best of luck and enjoy!!

[Saffy_girl Graduate in reply to JaoJao]

Thank you for your reply. I will try green tea

[Hidden]

I don’t, but it’s totally up to you. There’s evidence to suggest that working out “fasted” helps burn fat better but I am sure there is also evidence to suggest otherwise too! You’re out the house for the same length of time each time so I wouldn’t bother eating unless you really feel you need to