PORRIDGE/BANANA/RUN!

[59er]

Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply to my post on FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD.

This morning I decided to start my investigation. I soaked some porridge oats overnight so cooked those up this morning. I had a ramekin full of porridge with half a sliced banana and a cup of tea. Waited an hour then off I went to do my Magic 10 week 4 50 minute run. I decided that I would take it slow - after all I'm doing the time not distance version. Well, it was different! The toxic 10 definitely didn't feel as toxic and I felt more 'comfortable'. The second half of my run WAS hard but I didn't feel drained of energy like I had before. I finished the run and have had time to think that actually I did feel much better/even slightly good about my run. I felt I was running with intention and that my pace was quite strong. I was still very happy to stop though! Porridge & banana gets my vote although I'm going to continue experimenting. At least now I know what it CAN feel like so I can now compare and make an informed decision.

Note to self: Switch Mapmyrun over to kilometres not miles - to save great confusion.

Why do all these apps differ so greatly on time/pace/calories? - On MapmyRun my time was definitely 50 minutes! 🥵

[Rigpig Graduate]

Interesting, I can’t run at the moment as I have a gout flare up so I’m going to repeat week 5 next week hopefully. I’ll definitely try some food before my 50 minute run though 👍

[59er Graduate in reply to Rigpig]

You're ahead of me - it'll be interesting for you to try the same run only with having eaten beforehand. You'll possibly notice a difference more than I have. Hope the gout settles down soon! 🤞

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Hi, missed your post on food. I'm a creature of habit and have overnight oats with defrosted berries and yogurt every morning, running or not. If I do run early, I just have a banana before I go. As far as I've read, complex carbs are much easier to digest than protein.

[59er Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thanks Speedy60. Makes sense - complex carbs - banana - oats. Plus, and most importantly its relatively easy to digest.

I love the sound of your combo! Do you eat oats separately or mix them all up? Which yoghurt do you use and which fruit? I stayed in a hotel on Wednesdsy and for breakfast they offered little glasses of fruit at the bottom topped up with yoghurt! Delicious 😋

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to 59er]

I buy a basic muesli mix from our local zero waste shop. It contains oats, wheat and barley flakes, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. I add extra seeds and roasted mixed nuts, plus cinnamon. A batch lasts about a fortnight. I put 40g in a bowl (I always weigh, since I realised how easy it is to slip into large portions), 2 tablespoons of kefir and 25g sainsburys frozen mixed berries, cover and leave overnight. The mixed berries thaw and add to the moisture, but if it's a little dry, I add a dash of milk.

I don't like shop muesli because it usually contains some dried fruit. You could easily just use rolled oats.

Sounds like a faff, but as I say, I'm a creature of habit and it works for me. I never feel hungry during the morning. I'm vegetarian mostly. Don't know if that makes any difference. 🤷‍♀️

[59er Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

I've started putting pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and chia into my porridge with blueberries. Porridge for winter - I'll probably move on to muesli (homemade with nuts) once Spring is here and hopefully it warms up. I'm always cold. I try to drink Kefir too as often as I can but I live in a rural location so can only get it when I go in to town although it is becoming easier to find now. I'm trying to find a french equivalent as I go to France quite a lot. I am also trying to cut out meat which is difficult with a meat lover husband - this is a work in progress! 🙄

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to 59er]

I added nuts and seeds for the protein and fats, as I don't eat red meat at all. All my animal protein comes from fish or dairy.

I waited years for my husband to eat more healthily. I couldn't wait any longer when I was three stone overweight. I lost nearly three stone and have never put it back on. I usually cook separately now I'm retired and have the time. Having said that, husband does eat more veg these days. 👍

[59er Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

This is admirable!

I am currently trying to get my husband to lose weight which is and has been an ongoing thing for years. He is more open nowadays. Getting older helps I think. When you realise what you put in makes a difference. Slowly, slowly catchy monkey 😉

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to 59er]

I only managed it when I gave up work. I didn't have the time or energy to get organised before that.

I had a choice of being a plump, sedentary pensioner, or a happy, active skiver. I choose the latter.😉

[59er Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

It is quite time consuming to live a healthy life.

I say you've made the right choice!