For the past two weeks, I've been heading out at 5:30am to do my runs. Its quiet, cool and hassle free at that time of the morning.
However I pretty much wake up, put my shoes on and go. Is it wise to be running on an empty stomach? Should I have a drink before I go?
What does everyone else do?
I think its totally a matter of what suits you best. I never eat in the morning as I find then I can't stop munching all day, I always wait a few hours, do whatever exercise I'm doing and then eat afterwards, although I always have a cup of tea.
Unless you are having problems or feel lethargic stick to what you are doing. However a lot of people recommend half a banana before you start for energy but I hate bananas and wouldn't want to run with fun jumbling around inside me. Just make sure you eat afterwards 
You should definitely drink water. Your body is dehydrated after a nights sleep. Personally I like to eat half hour before I run, but I don't recommend getting up at 5 to do that!! So just go with what suits you: banana or no banana
I think its down to the individual, I certainly found running at different times of the day for me can cause issues. It has been a case of trial and error. If I do run first thing though, i don't eat but I do have a glass of water and take water with me.
I think we all wish our running was burning up mega calories but in reality unless you are running for an hour or more you aren't going to tax your body's reserves. I would suggest you avoid the temptation to take on extra fuel just because you think you need it to run (unless you are already underweight).
On the other hand if you feel its affecting your performance then have something healthy before you run. I personally hate anything sloshing around in my stomach when I run.
When I ran a half marathon I ate a good breakfast about 2.5 hours before the run and then had a couple of energy drinks around the run. I didn't run out of energy in the run (although I was knackered). I was more worried that eating before the run (something I try to avoid) would cause me problems.
There is some anecdotal evidence that running on an empty stomach increases the bodies ability to burn fat.
So, my view is that for those of us that are not running for hours on end or pushing the limits of human endurance - a bit of food before or after isn't really going to make that much difference. Just do what you need to do to be comfortable for your body.
Hi Mrqwest
I'm a morning runner and if I do go out later in the day I never seem to have as good a run.
I always have a cup of green tea & a small banana before going out though. Its not good for you to go out without some liquids first and the banana gives an energy boots too. The other option I sometimes have is a cereal bar. Try one or the other and see if it helps, but take a drink either hot or cold too.
Just 2 cups of tea before a run, could not eat anything. Even when I come back I struggle to eat for a while so I make myself have some fruit juice instead of water when I return.
As long as your hydrated you should be fine. Its most improtant when your running for longer times too.
Are you hungry at that hour? I also run pre-dawn and wait until I get home for a cup of tea and by 7:30 I am ready for breakfast. Just listen to your body.
No, I'm not hungry (or even thirsty) at that time of the morning hence I just head straight out but some mornings, I find it tough so wondered if others knew of a magic ingredient to have prior to a run that'll make things easier or to wake the body up and get it ready for a run.
I go from asleep to running in less than 30 minutes.
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