What do you eat before a long run

jporche77

I was curious what everyone's usual meal was before a long run. Usually if I'm running more that 6 miles I will do whole wheat toast, almond butter and cut up banana.

I am just looking for other ideas.

rybo

Nothing.

If it's a normal weekday run 3-10 miles, I eat an apple mid afternoon, then run after work. So lunch is my last normal meal.

When I do my long weekend runs(up to 20 miles) I wake up & go. No food.

TJamesChristensen

I don't really have a standard. Sometimes I'll eat grape nuts and a banana or banana and greek yogurt. I have tried a bunch of things but haven't noticed a significant difference in how I feel. What I do notice is the biggest difference for me is a snack after a long run.

jporche77

Nothing.

If it's a normal weekday run 3-10 miles, I eat an apple mid afternoon, then run after work. So lunch is my last normal meal.

When I do my long weekend runs(up to 20 miles) I wake up & go. No food.

I wish I could do that Thanks for the response

N4monsters

I can't eat anything before a run. I have to wait atleast 2.5hours after I eat to run or I get a side-ache. On my long runs on Saturday morning, I get up and go.

jporche77

I don't really have a standard. Sometimes I'll eat grape nuts and a banana or banana and greek yogurt. I have tried a bunch of things but haven't noticed a significant difference in how I feel. What I do notice is the biggest difference for me is a snack after a long run.

Hmm that is pretty big for me too. I have to eat something salty or I have a headache the rest of the day (I'm a huge sweater)

brandyk77

On the weekends, I'll eat before both of my runs. It is normally at least 90 min before the run and I like to have waffles and some protein. And coffee.

Workouts are normally 10-20 miles

arc918

Empty stomach for me even for before marathons.

If I have to get up the *kitten* crack o' dawn (for a point to point race) then maybe some bloks or gummy bears as needed. For NYC marathon I had to be up at 5:30 AM to catch a bus and the race didn't start until 9:30 or 10:00 (even more fun when you are on west coast time...)

FoxyMcDeadlift

I like to run mid morning, after i've eaten. I'll give it 3 hours and eat about 1500 calories. I dont eat for anything 10 miles or below. I like to eat a mixture of Oats, Fruit and either some yoghurt or milk, and then probably some peanut butter with toast, for the fats and a spot of protein, Failing that, i tend to just eat rice/pasta and a lean meat source, some veg and maybe a couple of eggs. Ive never tried running 10+ without food, maybe i will sometime.

LilRedRooster

Not much, if anything. Usually, if I do eat something, it'll be bread with peanut butter, or oatmeal. Just something that'll sit easy, and won't give me cramps or anything like that. I don't do anything with dairy, and if I have something more substantial, I always wait about two hours before heading out, or I just feel sluggish.

atsteele

Depends on the the length of the long run. Shorter ones I might have an Entemann's chocolate chip cereal bar and some coffee. But pre marathon or any 20+ training run, I down a Gu and some Gatorade/water and that's it.

PBmaria

6-12 miles: 2 servings of cereal. Then an English muffin with dark chocolate pb and marshmallow fluff post-run

While training for a marathon, before my 20+ runs, I ate an English muffin with an egg and jelly (don't hate!), 2 servings of cereal, coffee and a poptart. I kept throwing up in my mouth so I finally figured out I had to eat like 2 hours before.

jporche77

Thanks guys for the responses. I have only ever done half marathon distances. But of the course the goal is to get better and stronger and hopefully one day a Marathon

s35keith

Nothing within 2-3 hours of my long runs. But I NEED my coffee (black) before, if I am running early.

cowgirlslikeus86

I have 3 cups of coffee and a chaboni yogurt between 9-11am then run around noon. Sometimes I have a ricecake right befor I head out the door. The coffee does amazing things for me :drinker:

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dsak

I can't eat anything before a run. I have to wait at least 2.5hours after I eat to run or I get a side-ache. On my long runs on Saturday morning, I get up and go.

This.... exactly....

If I do a long run on the weekends... which for me is 8-12 miles, I do take a PowerBar Energy Gel with me and take it mid way thru my run.

ebaymommy

Looks like I'm in the minority here....I like to EAT before a long run. I can maybe go 8-10 miles on nothing or very little (and by very little I mean a banana or something) but I guarantee you my stomach will be grumbling by the end.

For my long runs (15 miles+) I get up at least 1.5 hours before I got out and eat a big breakfast (like 700 calories or so), digest a bit and I'm on my merry way.

Givemewings

Porridge oats, banana, sometimes wholemeal toast with peanut butter and coffee!

MissXFit13

Embarrassed to admit this: I eat a frosted cherry Poptart. It's got tons of carbs and sugar, 200 calories. I'll eat this 2-3 hours before heading out for my long run Saturday mornings.

It's not at all healthy, but it works for me. Plus, it's a super naughty treat that I'd never eat under any other condition (unless I know I'm going to burn over 1,000 calories that day), so it makes me look forward to long runs!

Oh yes, and coffee.

johnlatv

i'll just eat toast with some jelly that is about it... if i am going longer that 6 i take water and Infinit with me.