Early morning runs!!: I am going to start my... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

133,848 members โ€ข 159,297 posts

Early morning runs!!

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate
โ€ข26 Replies

I am going to start my runs around 5.30am before work and I just wondered what I should eat or drink before I set off. Because timing is so critical due to work I am conscious it will have to be a quick snack ๐Ÿ˜€

Written by
neets00 profile image
neets00
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
26 Replies
โ€ข
nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

If you're still doing C25K, you could probably get away with very little. I used to go out having drunk just a small glass of water.

If your run is going to be an hour or more, you might want have something more than that but, for the half hour sessions of Couch to 5K, you'll be fine doing your run before you have breakfast as long as you're eating and drinking normally throughout the day.

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to nowster

Thank you so much.. yes graduated last week but definitely still on half an hour runs so perfect .. water it is ๐Ÿ˜€

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate in reply to neets00

In winter I can go for 90 minutes without needing to take any water with me. In hot weather it's probably about 45 minutes.

I wouldn't normally think about taking along extra food if the run's going to be less than 75 minutes. But that's something individual to me that I've worked out from personal experience.

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to nowster

Perfect, thank you... My runs are half an hour at the moment so just going for a few sips of water beforehand

BrokeyNotSoBusted profile image
BrokeyNotSoBustedGraduate

Personally I prefer to run before eating but I try to get a glass of water at least 15mins before going. Usually plenty of fuel from day before then I eat afterwards. If I needed to eat something I'd probably go for a banana 30mins before heading out but that's just me. Think it really becomes an individual preference so may need to play about a bit to find what works best for you.

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to BrokeyNotSoBusted

Thank you ... I think I will go just for water and then worry about eating afterwards, just wasn't sure of the old body needed some kind of fuel?

Bluefly profile image
BlueflyGraduate

My runs are still under an hour and if running early morning I find an empty stomach suits me best. Like others I usually have a small glass of water before heading out. Today I will be running after work so will eat dinner after I get back.

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to Bluefly

Thank you so much... Just going to concentrate on some water, think I perform best on that

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

If you have a heathy eating and hydration routine you should be fine with nothing except maybe a sip or two of water:)Eat when you get back ... yummy!

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you ... That is great. Just got to make sure I don't drink too much water and worry about food later

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate

I run in the early morning and have a coffee, water and a bite of banana. That suits me fine, even for longer runs.

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to Roxdog

Thank you ... I read an article in my magazine that drinking coffee was good before and after a run ๐Ÿ˜€

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate in reply to neets00

Just be aware that caffeine can wake up your lower intestines.

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to nowster

Oh blimey ... Ok thank you

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate in reply to neets00

Giving a different meaning to "early morning runs". ๐Ÿ˜‰

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to nowster

๐Ÿคฃ absolutely

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate in reply to nowster

Ah, a good idea to drink it first thing before a run then, as long as you leave a long enough gap before heading out!

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to Roxdog

Thank you sounds good

Birra1 profile image
Birra1Graduate

I go out running at that time every day and before I started couch to 5k walking at that time because of work too. I find I am just too tired to run after work. I don't eat anything before leaving as I literally jump out of bed get dressed and have 2 glasses of water whilst I am doing a few warm up stretches and off I go.

I am only on week 6, so I am also interested in what experienced runners suggestions will be on this.

I have to say I do enjoy my breakfast when I get home ๐Ÿ˜Š Good luck with your early morning starts!

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to Birra1

Thank you so much, good to know that other people have a similar routine. It was absolutely gorgeous this morning and I loved it. Hope you had a great run also

shawgreen profile image
shawgreenGraduate

I just eat a banana before a run

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to shawgreen

Good shout, thank you

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate

I always used to go on completely empty (for probably the first 2 years!) Now I like a cup of coffee about 20 minutes before I go. I've never eaten anything beforehand.

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to Jell6

I went on an empty stomach this morning and it worked out well ๐Ÿ˜€

Post-Op-Jogger profile image
Post-Op-JoggerGraduate

I have a 500ml bottle of water next to my bed and if I havem't finished it by morning I gulp whatever's left down before my run. Also I keep some granola, berries & greek yoghurt at work so that I can have something before I start.

neets00 profile image
neets00Graduate in reply to Post-Op-Jogger

Thank you .. great idea re the granola etc

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Eating and early morning runs

Hi there. I am new to the site and have only recently started running. Think I'm on my 3rd week of...

Early Morning Runs?

I'm on W2R3 - and feeling pretty good about it *smug* lol! Becuase of my schedule this week, the...

Early morning runs

I havenโ€™t been running for about 6 weeks. One of the reasons is the weather. It is either too...

Early morning runs

Can I ask a question. Iโ€™m going to have to get up early and run this week much to my...

Talk to me about early morning runs

Hi all! First post on here, although I've been lurking for a week or so reading all your stories....