Advice on fasted runs?: What do you... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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Advice on fasted runs?

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon
23 Replies

What do you think about fasted runs? Is it worth is or is it not? Should it only be done on easy runs and not hard one like intervals, fartlek, tempo or long runs? What are the benefits, if any? Should you just ease into it slowly and gradually? How often should it be done?

Just been thinking about fasted running had all these questions going round my head today... :-)

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Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41
Half Marathon
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23 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon

Fasted runs are not really advisable for runners unless they really want to go long distances, I was reading about them, so I would advise you to proceed with caution before trying any such thing, first of all read all about it, do some research related to fasted running, ha, I know about fast running but fasted running 🤔😂🤣

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr

Yes done a bit of reading on it but will definitely do more research! :-)

You mean running on an empty stomach?

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon in reply to

Yep :-)

in reply to Redcello41

Some people do it to help with weight loss, but you need to drink water before and during your run.

Eating before you run can with some people allow them to have more energy then they can put more effort into the run.

If you run in the mornings you will more than likely have ample energy for your run anyway. You really need to give it a shot to find out if its for you or not.

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon in reply to

Yes water is very important. Apparently it mimics when your glycogen levels are low at the end of races and it teaches your body to burn fuel more efficiently. I need to do more research on it really and see if it works for me or not 😀

in reply to Redcello41

Well try it on a few runs and see how you feel about it.

Let me k ow how it goes for you if you do try it please. 😊

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris

Cup of coffee takes me 15 miles or more. Like the rest of us I started with 8 x 60 seconds so yes, start gradually.

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon in reply to SlowLoris

Yes that sounds like a good idea, thanks 😀

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon

I can't help with your question Redcello - the idea horrifies me!!🤣🤣🤣🤣 I will occasionally run a 5k first thing in the morning but even then will have a couple of bites of a banana before I go!

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39

Yeah I usually have a banana before I go first thing too! I did try it once just after I completed c25k and it was a really hard run. But it may be something that you need to give your body time to adapt, not sure really? 😀

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply to Sandraj39

I’m with you Sandra. I can’t do anything without food and I need it every couple of hours whether I’m running or not 😋

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess

Oh, we are so alike!🤣

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon

I’ve been running earlier than usual since lockdown started, trying to see as few people as possible, and it never occurred to me to eat first! Ordinarily I’d have had a banana, but I’ve run 99% of my runs since March on empty, apart from a cup of tea. I’ve not been further than 10 or 11k though. I’m going to resume my banana eating when I start the new HM plan 🍌

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks

Ye I always have a bannanna half an hour before I go out on any run. Great food to help you get going! :-)

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoUltramarathon

Everyone is different. The factors are so varied; energy levels, weight loss requirements (if any), daily activity levels, running length and frequency.

I couldn't do it. I've found my bodys' pattern, and it needs fuel in advance and during and if long, sometimes after too.

Hydration, as always, is key as is paying attention to feedback from your body (urine colour, stool type).

Michael Mosley was involved in a study which I seem to recall showed men did better working out on an empty stomach but women did better after eating. I can't remember the programme...

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Yes I will do a bit more research and see what I find. Thanks for the info and advice! :-)

Definition of fasted? I guess running in the morning having last eaten in the evening? Then no worries it's something I have done and still occasionally do if we can ignore the square of dark 90% chocolate with my morning Java.😉 Lots have been written on Carbs vs Fats for endurance athletes, Volek and Phinney, Matt Fitzerald and Louise Burke are worth looking up for their takes on this one. I echo Jo-Jo on the hydration issue I drink at least 500ml of water when I wake up in the morning. Everyone is different have fun with n=1.

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon in reply to

Ooooh yes will definitely look those up, thank you! :-)

Trawa profile image
TrawaHalf Marathon

I'm sometimes running fasting in the morning but have been on intermittent fasting diet/lifestyle for over a year and few months before I started running. So my body is well used to fasting state as every day I fast for at least 18 hours and only eat in the 5-6h window in the afternoon.

I can run up to 10k fasting now but it needs to be slow and steady. As soon as I let my heart rate go above 175 per minute I feel like fainting.

Benefits in my case are weight loss - 2 stones down within few months of starting intermitted fasting and I hope for better endurance.

Definately start very gently and slowly. It took me 3 months to move my first meal from 8an to the afternoon otherwise I felt shaking and my sugar levels dropped. Your body needs plenty of time to adapt.

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon in reply to Trawa

Yes giving it time and not rushing is important! Just like the training itself hahaha! :-)

sofaspud profile image
sofaspud

I always run on an empty stomach - my first meal is usually lunch. I’ve been listening to the RunPod podcast and one of her rapid fire questions asks guests (runners) when they go running. Most answered: morning, and fasted.

Redcello41 profile image
Redcello41Half Marathon in reply to sofaspud

ah that's good to know, thanks! :-)

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