3-4 mile AM runners-do eat anything first?

vicki81868

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?

brandyk77

I wouldn't eat anything personally.

bluu09

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.

LaurieT907

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.

htmlgirl

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.

Hrl1993

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 breakfast

cmayfield3

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.

kuregisto

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.

rybo

I stopped eating before AM runs about a year ago, I feel great and get extra sleep!

vicki81868

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!

runfatmanrun

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.

katemme

Maybe like half a grapefruit, but usually NO. Save the food for when you get back. It'll just cause cramping.

Sarahbara76

I drink water and take my chewable b vitamins and I may eat a tablespoon of jellybeans before hand if I am just dragging

montana_girl

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.

minnesota_deere

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.

spammyanna

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.

hollywilli

I started eating half of a banana and a few sips of water before my run and saw improvement over going without eating.

Il_DaniD_lI

Something small like an oatmeal bar.

Meevz

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.

Chagama

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.

coopersmom2006

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.

JSheehy1965

I eat half a banana on my way to the run - only because I'm really hungry when I finish my run if I don't. Seems to work for me.

hark15

For runs of just 3-4 miles first thing in the morning I usually don't eat anything. I like to get up and run right away and if I want to eat my body usually needs some time to digest. For that short of a distance I usually feel fine without eating. I would say do whatever your body is comfortable with

nmzeta

I do one scoop of pre workout drink in 16oz of water. It's 'Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer'. It's very smooth and more like flavored water. I drink it before I get dressed or go to the bathroom cause it says to take 20 mins prior.

Do whatever is best for you.

janelle1993

Well I heard it's always better to eat something before you exercise no matter what type of exercise it is because then your body is actually burning more calories, at least that was what I heard on Dr.Oz. Plus he said something about without eating first your body has no fuel to really burn as much calories as it would if you did eat before hand. My english professor was also an avid runner and did marathons and half marathons and he woiuld run like you except 5-6 miles and he said he always ate whole wheat bread with peanut butter and a little bit of honey which gave him energy but didn't make him feel nausiated or cramp when he would run. So I would recommend you eat before you run. Plus I don't know how long it takes you to run that distance but many nutritionists have told me to eat within 1/2 hour of getting up to really get your metabolism going and because your body has been essentially fasting during sleep so you need to feed it right away. Hope I helped you!

DianaSakai

On long run days (5+ miles) I will eat a banana, wait about half an hour, then go. On shorter run days I usually don't eat anything. Just some water.

HMVOL7409

It's all individual. It doesn't matter what a study says or some stupid TV guy says; you have to figure out what works for you. I can't do a fasting run at all. I'm hypoglycemic and I would be passed out on the road if I tried. I eat whole wheat toast with peanut butter or a banana 60 mins prior if I'm running in the morning. It's seldom bc I'm better in the evenings.

arc918

I run everything on an empty stomach. From daily training runs to marathons.

I get crampy when I eat before I run.

Just figure out what works best for you.

MissFit0101

I do not eat before I run. If I'm going to do a long run over 13 miles, I might have a little yogurt and a banana about an 1.5-2hours before, but even then, not always. It's a matter of personal preference really. If you are doing fine without it then continue what you are doing.

liftingbro

I only do 2-3 mile runs/jogs but sometimes I eat and sometimes I don't, just depends on how I feel that morning.

piesbd

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.

I do this too, but I eat if it is over 6. Usually toast with PB