Early Morning Running

debussyschild

Hi MFP folks,

I used to go running in the morning all the time when I was in high school, but that was a while ago. Since I'm losing most of this weight to go into the Army Reserves, I know that I've got weeks of getting up a o'dark hundred to go run and do PT. But as I'm trying to get myself back into that rhythm again, I can't get over several hurdles. One, after a day of eating right (and not eating too close to bedtime), when I wake up in the morning I am positively RAVENOUS. I'm hungry to the point that my stomach hurts. Two, I notice that sometimes when I wake up and relieve myself before my run, I'm not as hydrated as I need to be even though I drank plenty of water the day before up until bedtime. And three, I don't know why, but after running on an empty stomach I tend to develop heartburn (that may be due in small part to whatever I ate for dinner, but usually I keep my foods mild so I can avoid heartburn).

I just had a couple of questions for those folks who like to get up early and go for a run first thing in the morning:

1) Do you have any pre-bedtime/pre-run hydration tips?
2) Do you suffer from post-run heartburn? Any tips on preventing it?
3) What are some good pre-bedtime dietary strategies to ensure I'll have enough energy for the run and have a tolerable level of hunger before the run?

These are loaded questions, but I appreciate any runner's advice on these issues. I live in Florida and you absolutely CANNOT go running during the day unless you are very adequately hydrated and have had training to do so, it's just risky. So, running in the morning is my best option. Help!

Thanks!!

Amy_B

When I was getting up early to train for my half, I set the alarm for about an hour before my run, ate at least half a banana (more for longer runs) and a cup of water. I went back to bed for an hour, peed, then went out. I didn't pay much attention to the night before.

HotMamaByVday

I run on an empty stomach, but I don't have a rule as to when I stop eating the night before. Its summertime so the kids, dh and I often have a snack while watching a movie just before I go to bed. I drink a full glass of water while I get ready to go out.

BaileyBoo13524

I always get up at least a half an hour before and make sure that I eat at least a bowl of cereal and then just drink water throughout my run. The night before doesn't affect much, but I do always drink 8 glasses of water a day and drink water all the way up until I sleep. I don't seem to have much problems with being dehydrated or heartburn!!

debussyschild

Good ideas, although I'm going to see what I can do to not have to eat/drink less than an hour before a run. My stomach is really touchy about that. I need at least 2 hours after a light meal before I run. Plus, in basic training, I probably won't have the luxury of getting up early to take care of some of those things before a run. They only need to "provide you the opportunity to sleep for 4 hours during a 24 hour period". Sooo looking forward to it!

gingerfoxxx

Can you bring a water bottle with you? I have trouble drinking in the morning, my stomach just wants nothing to do with it, but when i start running i get the thirst. I also get wicked heartburn. I basically just have to be really careful with what i eat for dinner.....pasta with a little olive oil and veggies sits really well for me. I eat it the night before most of my longer runs!