Eating something before a run?

maaaasha

Do you do this? Have half a banana before going for a run, for example?

olymp1a

I do it when I go for long runs. Usually half large banana with a teaspoon of peanut butter. For shorter runs I don't need it.

maaaasha

olymp1a wrote: »

I do it when I go for long runs. Usually half large banana with a teaspoon of peanut butter. For shorter runs I don't need it.

How long after eating do you go for the run? I feel like if I don't have a *little* something I don't have as much energy...maybe that will change the more I do it?

FrugalMomsRock75

If I eat before I run, I feel like I'll puke. I eat heartily before bed when I know I'll be up and running early. And have a banana as soon as I'm done.

jeepinshawn

I easy a decent breakfast about 30mins before I run. I do find I do much better if I do straight eggs before I run. If I add oatmeal or something like that I get kinda sick feeling for awhile during my run.

CincyNeid

For 10k or greater I typically eat a bagel between 30-45 mins before I go on a run, or I'll do a banana and protein shake. between 45m-1h before a run.

For 5K - 10k I do a energy gel just before starting and one about 45 mins in.

For 5K or under I don't do anything.

*Edited for spelling correction.

cfsruns

We are all different and you have to experiment to see what works for you. I am an early morning runner and even if it is a short run, I feel sick if I don't eat. I try to get up early enough to have a small breakfast 30 minutes before I run. Works for me but many people feel ill if they eat before they run.

paulbrttn

CincyNeid wrote: »

For 10k or greater I typically eat a beagle between 30-45 mins before I go on a run, or I'll do a banana and protein shake. between 45m-1h before a run.

For 5K - 10k I do a energy gel just before starting and one about 45 mins in.

For 5K or under I don't do anything.

A whole beagle? Don't think I could manage more than a pug

CincyNeid

paulbrttn wrote: »

CincyNeid wrote: »

For 10k or greater I typically eat a beagle between 30-45 mins before I go on a run, or I'll do a banana and protein shake. between 45m-1h before a run.

For 5K - 10k I do a energy gel just before starting and one about 45 mins in.

For 5K or under I don't do anything.

A whole beagle? Don't think I could manage more than a pug

Dang autocorrect. ... it always makes me type stuff I didn't nintendo.

litsy3

I don't eat anything if I am going for an easy run. If I'm doing a race in the morning I eat my normal breakfast at least 2.5 hours before. If I'm doing a hard training session I have a small snack (200-250 cals with some protein & carbs) 2 hours before; same for an evening race.

JustMissTracy

I have to, otherwise I flake out too soon...I've tried the fasted cardio idea, and just about died! At least a banana, if not a piece of toast with PB..

pomegranatecloud

Running on an empty stomach makes me sick so I always eat before.

troytroy11

It depends on how much earlier than my daughter I wake up. We go to the gym together and hit the treadmill hard. If I wake up late, then I have nothing but coffee with dark chocolate. If I wake up early as usual at least an hour before her, then I will eat something preferably high carb which also depends on other things like what is leftover from the night before.

strebor337

I was just sitting here debating this as I'm getting ready to go out for a run. Back in the day it wasn't a big deal to go out and run on an empty stomach, but stove gotten older I've noticed that my energy level bottoms out if I haven't even had breakfast yet. Energy gels or beans are good for alleviating that, but in their absence I'm just going to have a piece of toast and then go out in 15-30 minutes. I'll let you know if it tastes as good coming up as it does going down.

start090

Sweet potato + coffee . 30 minutes before starting as a preworkout ! )

rybo

I eat nothing. If I run in the morning, I'm not getting up earlier to eat. I've not seen any drop in performance.

lorrpb

Do what works for you. It's ok.

WWnot

I run with a group of people and there are as many different answers as there are runners in the pack! Everyone finds what works for them and goes with it. I can eat in the car on my way to a run, while others have to eat at least 2 hours prior. It's trial and error and personal. Good luck!

TavistockToad

On week days I run after work, so it depends if I'm hungry or not to whether I have a snack. On weekends I run in the morning so have a bowl of cereal an hour/ hour and a half before my run.

maaaasha

WWnot wrote: »

I run with a group of people and there are as many different answers as there are runners in the pack! Everyone finds what works for them and goes with it. I can eat in the car on my way to a run, while others have to eat at least 2 hours prior. It's trial and error and personal. Good luck!

I think you're right. Trial and error is the way to go.

melodysf10

I only run 30 minutes at a time (beginner) but I feel worse if I eat before. I run in the mornings, and all I have is a cup or two of coffee beforehand.

olymp1a

maaaasha wrote: »

olymp1a wrote: »

I do it when I go for long runs. Usually half large banana with a teaspoon of peanut butter. For shorter runs I don't need it.

How long after eating do you go for the run? I feel like if I don't have a *little* something I don't have as much energy...maybe that will change the more I do it?

I eat it and then get dressed and prepped up and leave, so I'd say about 15 minutes before I start running. However this is just me, and I experimented a lot before getting there. I tried oatmeal and bagels and other things only to find out that I felt awful when I started running. The only thing my body is ok with is a small amount of fruit with a little bit of nut or seed butter.

I would recommend you to try different things and see what works best for you.