Running my First 5k Question

katietat
katietat Posts: 25
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi Everyone !

Tomorrow I'm running my first 5k where I'm going to keep track of my actual pace.
I am really excited to see how it goes!
But my question is :
What are some good foods to eat for breakfast before I go out?
And how much time before should I eat?

Sorry for these really beginner types of questions but I felt the MFP community would really be able to help ! (:

Thank you all,
Katie

Replies

  • Packerfan23
    Packerfan23 Posts: 225 Member
    :happy: Bump...I will be running my 1st 5K at the end of the month and would like to know the answer too!
  • PatientBearTiger
    PatientBearTiger Posts: 475
    Before any race, I generally eat a bagel or English muffin with peanut butter and I add a banana on the side. I like to be done 60-90 minutes before the race. Good luck and have a great time!!!
  • shellybarbal
    shellybarbal Posts: 42
    Oatmeal. Generally 1-2 hours before.
  • _Sally_
    _Sally_ Posts: 514 Member
    Don't try anything new for breakfast before your race. You may want to just eat what you normally do before a training run (just keep it to small portions)

    Just a light breakfast, nothing too heavy. I tend to like a piece of toast with a small amount of peanut butter and a small banana or other piece of fruit a couple of hours before the race.

    Good luck and have fun!
  • ShaeDetermined
    ShaeDetermined Posts: 1,525 Member
    i try not to eat too much before a 5k.

    My general go-to is a banana and a sports drink 60min before race time.

    good luck!!!
  • robmaguire1
    robmaguire1 Posts: 111
    I don't like eating before races (I've only done two, so I am a rookie too!!) From what I have read, Granola Bars seem to be good. Toast with egg whites. Something light. Drink water too. I'm running tomorrow as well. Have a great time!!!
  • CaptainMFP
    CaptainMFP Posts: 440 Member
    Did my first 5K a couple weeks ago. Ate a 1 ounce serving of Kashi crunch mixed with a cup of vanilla Greek yogurt. Had this about 6:30 AM; race was at 9:00.
  • Danahimself
    Danahimself Posts: 279 Member
    All natural peanut butter on wheat with raisins on top. Glass of milk as well. :)
  • BobbyDaniel
    BobbyDaniel Posts: 1,459 Member
    I usually try to eat a banana and a small protein bar about an hour before running, also drink about 16 ounces of water too...along with my usual fill of coffee. Also make sure you hit the bathroom before race time too! Good luck on your race, enjoy the experience and have a great time!
  • midmomike2
    midmomike2 Posts: 213
    Congrats on entering your 1rst 5k! I'm pretty new to running myself (ran 1rst 5k back in April), and so far for me what I find to work best is to eat 2-3 hours before race time and my food of choice has been 2 whole wheat waffles (Kashi Go Lean is my favorite brand) with 2 table spoons of peanut butter. Good Luck tommorow!
  • baycat107
    baycat107 Posts: 165 Member
    Haven't done a 5K in 20 years, but running in one tomorrow. If i eat, I'm doing my normal yogurt, or maybe a banana. Like others said, just keeping it light. I did carbo load for dinner tonight with spaghetti.
  • DaniellePF
    DaniellePF Posts: 308 Member
    I had a hard boiled egg and a piece of whole wheat toast with a light spread of peanut butter before I ran my 10k. Kept me full as these things take a while to digest and gave me sustainable energy. I got up early enough to get hydrated (and gave myself time to pee it all out lol).

    Side note: I talked to a running trainer prior to my race and he said not to go too far outside of what you normally eat for breakfast. You don't want your body to feel funky as it deals with a food it is not used to.

    Good luck and have fun! Good for you for doing this!
  • srp2011
    srp2011 Posts: 1,829 Member
    I generally eat a half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat about 90 minutes before. with decaf coffee. The important thing is not to eat anything heavy or greasy. 5K is a relatively short distance so you don't have to worry about loading up with carbs or anything like that. It should be a lot like a training run. But the most important thing - have fun!!
  • katietat
    katietat Posts: 25
    Thanks everyone all your tips were really helpful !
    The race is at 8;45 so I'm going to eat between 6;50 and 7;10.
    I can't wait for tomorrow(:
  • demery12371
    demery12371 Posts: 253 Member
    I did a 5K today and had a piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter.. and then after I had a banana ;)

    Good luck with your race and most important have fun!! :)
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