Runners Help Needed

I have never tried to do that much running, but in my experience when I stepped up my game a little bit and started running from 6 up to 12km a day I started craving so many carbs and even fats, I was ALWAYS hungry and I'd always go over my intake.

Someone advised me to try lift my protein intake, so I did - I ate protein bars half an hour after my run and it curbed my other cravings, for me protein really helped in filling me up.

I have never tried to do that much running, but in my experience when I stepped up my game a little bit and started running from 6 up to 12km a day I started craving so many carbs and even fats, I was ALWAYS hungry and I'd always go over my intake.

Someone advised me to try lift my protein intake, so I did - I ate protein bars half an hour after my run and it curbed my other cravings, for me protein really helped in filling me up.

Yes I agree the increase in protein is very helpful !!

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I recently joined a run clinic (learn to run clinic) so I am by no means a professional. That being said, from what my instructor has advised I have learned that as a runner you should be eating carbs! They are essential...

You should also be eating before and after a run. Carbs before hand to give you the energy, and protein afterwards to repair your muscles.

You need to eat some whole grain carbs before a run (slice of bread, half a bagel, small bowl of whole wheat pasta, etc) and then afterwards have some protein such as a slice of meat, cheese, a handful of nuts, or some yogurt.

It is all about balancing your diet...healthy and complex carbs, lean proteins, water, and even fats (essential). Don't cut out carbs...just eat the right ones.

^ This

I had the same problem and here is what worked for me. I ate my carbs, fruit and whole grains about 2.5 - 3 hours before a run (you don't want to store it, but you do want it available). Then about 20 minutes before I would grab some Greek yogurt, or low sodium cottage cheese (3/4 cup). Of course I would drink water during the run, and 30-40 minutes after I was done, I would load up on protein, a shake, or some grilled chicken breast. Then an hour after load up on water and grab a banana (prevents cramping for me), and then eat regular meals the rest of the time. I do the same for going to the 1 hour cardio class, or a 2 or 3 hour skate or bike ride.

I totally crave carbs on run days over 5 miles or so. I eat them, carbs = energy. Always whole grains and lots of veggies but carbs aren't evil.

I recently joined a run clinic (learn to run clinic) so I am by no means a professional. That being said, from what my instructor has advised I have learned that as a runner you should be eating carbs! They are essential...

You should also be eating before and after a run. Carbs before hand to give you the energy, and protein afterwards to repair your muscles.

You need to eat some whole grain carbs before a run (slice of bread, half a bagel, small bowl of whole wheat pasta, etc) and then afterwards have some protein such as a slice of meat, cheese, a handful of nuts, or some yogurt.

It is all about balancing your diet...healthy and complex carbs, lean proteins, water, and even fats (essential). Don't cut out carbs...just eat the right ones.

This very VERY generalized advice, and is pretty much the old school rule of thumb for virtually any activity. You need carbs for energy before your workout and you need protein after to repair the muscles.

At the end of the day, it comes down to knowing your body. Some people perform better without eating pre workout. Some people have to. Some people can't stand the thought of food after an intense workout, some people need cals immediately.

Ultimately, you body still needs sufficient fats, carbs and protein to keep itself healthy, strong, and running well. If you're not giving your body a good balance of all 3 then you're asking for problems.

Yup, yup. I like to feel full at night and my mom always fed me a carbohydrate-rich meal in the evening...of course, it was usually fat-rich too. I grew up eating little throughout the day (small snacks or a couple glasses of reduced fat milk) in anticipation of the feast at dinner (big portion of pot roasted beef, gravy, olive oil, potatoes or some other starch, veggies, and maybe some keep-a-week cake for dessert) - usually 800 to 1000 calories for one complete meal. Sure, all of the carbs probably went to storage, but storage as glycogen if I didn't go crazy with it. As a runner, you want to have stored carbs and it doesn't matter when you eat them, imo. And as long as you are monitoring your energy intake, you should be free to eat whenever/whatever you want. With that said, I still eat one major meal each day and I function fantastically by that method. The biggest problem for me is getting enough protein, though. It's very hard to eat a day's worth of protein in a single meal - especially if you are running. So, I have lately been forcing a larger breakfast on myself. Protein shakes are easiest. I haven't added lunch yet, but I have a feeling I need to add a shake there too.