Pre and Post Run Food

jess1992uga

So I am training for a 5K (actually this is quite depressing as used to be a xc runner and these were easy for me...now I can barely run 3 minutes straight...thanks anorexia for stealing that). Well back when I was runner I was also anorexic and now I am on road to recovery. I know if I ever tried to eat before a run I would feel sick to my stomach so is it okay to run on an empty stomach in morning? If you run later what should you eat before run? Do you have to fuel post-run and with what (I usually have no appetite after running). I know it's sounds silly but I am new to this whole running AND eating idea...and yes, I work with a nutritionist. I just wanted to get some ideas from fellow runners.

AmyRhubarb

If I'm running really early (and not more than 3-4 miles), I drink some water and I'm out the door, no problem. Otherwise I will eat a piece of toast with peanut butter, or half a banana & peanut butter if I've got an hour or more before I run. Two hours or more before running, I'll eat oatmeal with yogurt, fruit and nuts (my usual breakfast on run days).

Afterwards I either eat breakfast (if I haven't already), or have a glass of chocolate milk.

tkillion810

I have found I can run about 5 miles pretty decent without eating breakfast first. When I am planning a longer run, I get up early enough to allow time for a meal. I usually eat 1/2 c oats made with almond milk and 1 tablespoon of special dark cocoa with a little sweetener of choice. My backup breakfast is bagel with a little nut butter.

If I am running in the afternoon or early evening I usually eat a snack before I run. Over time I have gotten used to eating a little and running. I might have a piece of fruit w/ small amount of nut butter, or a few crackers and a piece of fruit.

Post run eating takes some getting used to. If you have a hard time eating after runs, you might try smoothies. I heard many people say that it is easier to drink a smoothie after a run than eat solid food. If you drink milk, chocolate milk is also a great recovery food. I tend to eat a handful of pretzels or crackers or a small bowl of cereal with almond milk, or 1/2 a banana and nut butter sandwich.

It's going to be a little bit of trial and error. Good luck with your runs!

SnicciFit

I used to run/workout on an empty stomach all the time, but my stomach would always be growling! I started eating 1 Larabar before my early morning workouts and that does trick! They are fairly easy to digest and give me enough carbs to fuel my workout. My favorite flavors are cashew cookie & pecan pie. The best part is that they are just nuts & dates

If a whole Larabar is too much, you could always eat half. Also, they have smaller snack sized ones.

betterrunfaster

I need to stop skimming, I read that as Labrador and was both horrified and confused.

akaMrsmojo

I am always starving after I run. I usually eat something high in protein or I become really cranky. Most of the time, I run before a meal.

SnicciFit

I need to stop skimming, I read that as Labrador and was both horrified and confused.

Oh no!!!!! Beautiful GSD, btw!