Early morning runs!!

[neets00]

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 😀

[nowster Graduate]

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 Graduate 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 😀

[nowster Graduate 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 Graduate 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 Graduate]

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 Graduate 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 Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to Bluefly]

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

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

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 Graduate 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 Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

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

[nowster Graduate in reply to neets00]

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

[neets00 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Oh blimey ... Ok thank you

[nowster Graduate in reply to neets00]

Giving a different meaning to "early morning runs". 😉

[neets00 Graduate in reply to nowster]

🤣 absolutely

[Roxdog Graduate 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 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you sounds good

[Birra1 Graduate]

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 😊 Good luck with your early morning starts!

[neets00 Graduate 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 Graduate]

I just eat a banana before a run

[neets00 Graduate in reply to shawgreen]

Good shout, thank you

[Jell6 Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to Jell6]

I went on an empty stomach this morning and it worked out well 😀

[Post-Op-Jogger Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to Post-Op-Jogger]

Thank you .. great idea re the granola etc