3-4 mile AM runners-do eat anything first?
vicki81868
Posts: 262 Member
I run 3-4 miles, 3-4 times a week first thing in the morning. I usually do not eat anything before I run, but heard that eating something may help me run better. But then someone else said it would give me cramps. Does anyone have any experience/input on this?
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Replies
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I wouldn't eat anything personally.0
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Hey Vicki. This is what works for me. If i run as soon as i wake up, i don't eat. I just drink a little water. I would get a stomach ache if I did eat. If I start my run about an hour after I wake, i will have a small cereal bar or oatmeal. That is more so just to curb hunger than because I actually need the energy. I am also training for a triathlon, so on those days, I wake up early just so I can eat a small item. Then i use gels and gatorade. The only reason I use concentrated foods is because it isn't filling so I don't get stomach cramps. This is what works for me but I think I tend to cramp easier than most people if I eat to close to a run. Speaking from an energy standpoint, I personally think most people have enough reserves in their body to do a 3-4 mile run on an empty stomache.0
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I usually try to have a piece of toast with peanut butter on it before I go. I've tried having a banana, but they gave me a stomachache so I switched. It's really dependent on your body.0
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I would say, if you are okay running without eating, then continue doing that. As for me, I can't exercise on an empty stomach, I end up feeling lightheaded and can't put forth the effort.0
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I like to eat something small or else I get dizzy. It also helps to get me going! I'll usually have half of a banana or something. Just the right amount of sugar, carbs and potassium I need to keep me until breakfast0
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Lately, because of the heat, I've been running in the morning. I drink a glass of iced coffee with sugar and soy milk before I go out. It's quick energy from the caffeine and sugar, and it's hydrating.0
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I usually prefer to eat something small about 15-30 minutes before I run. Most often, a plain bagel. That and a glass of water and I end up feeling considerably better on the road.0
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I stopped eating before AM runs about a year ago, I feel great and get extra sleep!0
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Thanks for the input! Sounds like I'll keep doing what I'm doing (not eating) until (or if) I start running longer distances. Thanks again!0
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I run in the mornings on the weekend but usually 10+ and I eat an hour or so before. I would probably still have something before but it's hard to say.0
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Maybe like half a grapefruit, but usually NO. Save the food for when you get back. It'll just cause cramping.0
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I drink water and take my chewable b vitamins and I may eat a tablespoon of jellybeans before hand if I am just dragging0
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I don't usually eat before I do a 3 mile run in the morning. Anything over 6 miles, yes, but less than that, nope.0
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yes, i have tried both ways and found eating, I run faster and easier and enjoy it more versus the dragging and feeling lathargic. you can see my diary, coffee and a 11.5 oz v8 , I slam the v8 in 20 seconds or less at 530am, drink the cofee slowly, chase it with a tall glass of water. do a few morning chores, 20 minutes and i am out the door. feels great.0
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I eat a protein bar before I go out for my run, but that's it. I also don't bring water, or drink water before, I don't like it sloshing in my stomach.0
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I started eating half of a banana and a few sips of water before my run and saw improvement over going without eating.0
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Something small like an oatmeal bar.0
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Carbs 2 hours before a run is ideal but since I wake up and run I usually don't eat anything unless I run more than 4 miles, then I need the fuel to keep going. Its just personal preference and how your own body responds. I like to weigh in right after a good workout so on weigh-in days I def. don't eat before.0
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I don't for distances like that, I'd have to stop along the way with stomach issues. For longer runs (12+ miles) I'll eat something and build in time after eating and before leaving to take care of business and avoid the stomach issues while running.
Having said that, everyone is different. I have a friend who won't eat anything before running a marathon, she gets too nervous. Once she gets moving she'll quickly eat on the run (literally) to get some energy.0 -
Normally for a run of that mileage I don't. Anything over maybe 8 miles and I eat some pnut butter toast about 45 minutes before my run.0
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