Eat first or run first?

[Lawbuary]

As a 'newbie' to this, can I ask if I go for a run when I first get up in the morning, should I have breakfast first or just something like a banana? Thanks

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

You can have a light breakfast like cereal or a banana before a run, but take it at least 45/60 minutes before you run.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

If I go out really early (my last early one was 05:45) I just had a cup of tea .If I'm going later I will have a light breakfast (often porridge) then leave around 1 hour before I go for a run

[Lawbuary Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

In answer to your question, this is very individual. I run first thing without eating, but others prefer to eat, which does mean you will have to wait a while for it to settle.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Lawbuary Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you.

[Hidden]

I asked a similar question when I was doing C25k. I normally just have a glass of water and head out, but I'm really hungry afterwards! If it is a longer run I may have half a banana first. Everybody is different, but food will take some time to settle and you really don't want it bouncing around in your stomach if you head out too quickly. You will find what suits you best. 😊

[Lawbuary Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

[Jericho2332 Graduate]

Glass of water, run, breakfast, banana, coffee, bath lol that's my usual routine.

[Lawbuary Graduate in reply to Jericho2332]

Cheers, sounds good.

[nowster Graduate]

For a run of an hour or less, first thing in the morning, I tend not to eat before I go out. Just a glass of water. I'll eat when I get back.

The energy stored in your muscles is enough to get you through a short run.

If it's going to be longer, something light and starchy like a couple of slices of toast before, and I'll bring along something light and sweet to nibble on. But you're not at that level just yet!

[Lawbuary Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thank you

[ellewood7 Graduate]

I usually run early so just have a glass of water, then eat when back. When I’ve run later in the day, I find I never run well on a ‘fuller’ stomach. But I think it’s a personal preference.

[Wantstobearunner]

I am new to this too, so interested to read the responses. I will have 1 Weetabix if I have time to wait more than half an hour before running. Otherwise I have a banana.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

If you’re running very first thing, just have half a cuppa. You don’t need to eat for these short runs. I prefer to each breakfast though at least 45 minutes before.

[MmeKat]

I found I got stitch if I ate before my run, even if it was an hour prior. Now I'm avoiding the heat and running in the morning I just wait until I am back from my run to eat. No stitch anymore

[Hidden]

I'm similar to most of the responses. I will have my early morning cuppa then off I go.

[mancrunner1 Graduate]

I don’t eat at all before I run as I’ve found over the years there is no gap long enough to not give me a stitch! I understand from doctor friends that generally men do better eating before exercise and women do better not but I’m sure it’s different for everyone.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

For me it depends on what I've eaten the evening before. Sometimes I don't eat much or anything at all in the evening, so I might be hungry when I get up. I don't eat porridge or cereal anymore, but when I did I could run any distance straight after eating it...

Mostly these days, if I have anything it will be coffee and a boiled egg.

Experiment and see what works for you.

[TotalNewbie1 Graduate]

One or two cups of black coffee. Anything to eat before and I need to rush back to the loo and can’t leave it for a while 🤣🤣. Perhaps too much information!

[Gailfcurry]

I echo what most others say - I have a cuppa before going out if I am leaving less than 30 mins after getting up. If it's an hour or more before running I have a fast digestible food like a weetabix or a small piece of toast or a small porridge or even a large date. If it's a long run I usually have something similar - the dates are good fuel but if running 45-60 mins I'd have something a bit more substantial. If I've had a huge carby dinner a cuppa tends to suffice!

[amisfit Graduate]

I eat lightly. Maybe a slice of toast with marmalade and a glass of water.

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

Hello Lawbuary, I've tried both. My preference is to eat first. We're all different though, you'll find what suits you through trial and error.