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... 
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 🤔😂🤣
Yes done a bit of reading on it but will definitely do more research!
You mean running on an empty stomach?
Yep
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.
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 😀
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. 😊
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.
Yes that sounds like a good idea, thanks 😀
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!
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? 😀
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 😋
Oh, we are so alike!🤣
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 🍌
Ye I always have a bannanna half an hour before I go out on any run. Great food to help you get going!
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...
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.
Ooooh yes will definitely look those up, thank you!
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.
Yes giving it time and not rushing is important! Just like the training itself hahaha!
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.
ah that's good to know, thanks!
Fitting in the Slow Runs?
Vitality Running World Cup - runs have to be at least 3k to count!
Recovery Runs...
Refueling long runs
