when and what to eat for running

before eat somehting like a clif bar, or seomthing light and healthy. another option is pb on a bagel. with the cereal did u have milk? dont drink milk or orange juice before bc it might upset ur stomach. afterwards eat a banana, pb and j sandwich, or milk for repair

Before...
-Bagel with almond butter
-Cereal
-Apple with peanut butter
-Granola bar

After...
-Banana

I agree with SC1572

I am training for my first marathon in October and I joined a group which can be very motivating if you are serious about your running. Our leader keeps repeating himself on how to eat 3 hours before your runs so if your run is at 9 am you have to wake up at 6am gobble up your breakfast. Now this can be very tricky if you're not an early person but it has to be done to have the body trained for the big day.
Right after runs I drink plenty of water, a sport drink and have a banana.
Good luck with your running!

I'm on week two of c25k and have the same problem bit I hate bananas and pb&j sandwiches! What else could I eat?

Before working out, always eat CARBS! Carbohydrates are your body's fuel. They will keep you going longer than anything else.
Eat an hour before you work out.

After working out, eat PROTEIN. Protein is what repairs your body after a workout

I can't eat right before a long run, need 2-3 hours to digest my food and let it settle in. I typically run at 4:30pm after work and so will have a small snack of fruit, yogurt, protein bar around 2pm. Afterwards its generally time for dinner.

Thanks road runner! Ill not be doing 9am runs then lol 11 is probly more like it on weekends think I'm going to srock up on bananas, seems the best thing for afterwards. Been reading anything high in carbs before and after is good to fuel and repair your body for running, or any vigarous exercise.

I use to think you needed to eat bfore doing a run..you don't really, more likely to get a stitch if you do...most half marathons...13.1 miles are in the morning, and I do these on a single banana..making sure i've had a carb heavy dinner the night before. Your body should have more than enough fuel to carry you through a standard run...and eating too much before will cause problems. If I run after work...say, 4 miles at 5pm, I'll have a normal lunch...say jacket with tuna, a bananna at 3pm and thats it. Protein is best for recovery..protein shake within 20mins of a run really helps recovery. This is what works for me..I guess its personal. I really don't run well on milk..or dairy. So Cereal is a big no no for me. Good luck! :happy:

thanks guys, thats easily done, what about timing to eat? in a perfect world when should i have something to eat before my runs and how long after to repair?

I've relied on runnersworld.com for lots of information.

Their advice is to eat two hours before you run. As OP's have said, get something with carbs in it.

Two helpful books
Marathoning for Mortals
Runners World Guide to Road Racing

I bought them used on Amazon - they're very helpful.

I make my own "gatorade" for long runs and, if I don't eat in time, I'll down a packet of Gu (Check out Amazon) about 15 minutes before I run.

As a beginner, the biggest reason why we have a "slow run" is because we're slow. :-)

We have enough glycogen in our liver and muscles to last through most long runs so eating Gu is more to keep my stomach happy than to provide nutrition.

What I'm pretty sure I've felt the impact from is water. I've done some long runs without water and that was a mistake. I bought a Nathan running belt (Amazon…) and now carry a quart of liquid with me. Makes quite a difference even when temps are in the high 70's.

After a run -a Clif bar or chocolate milk within 10 to 30 minutes of the run.