Posts: 505
1/23/09 1:51 P

Oh, and I eat the bar or banana about an hour before the run.

Posts: 505
1/23/09 1:50 P

I am joining a running club and the coach recommends eating some form of carbs before a run (a bar with around 25 grams of carbs or a banana) and then he recommends consuming 20 carbs per hour of running. So if I run more than an hour, I drink some Gatorade watered down. Straight Gatorade makes me sick...too syrupy. But I mix half and half with water and it tastes much better. Dried fruit or Gu work well during longer runs also.

Posts: 2,153
1/23/09 10:09 A

If I eat within an hour of running, it upsets my stomach. I generally go towards not eating or eating way in advance.

Posts: 17,901
1/23/09 9:50 A

If I am running a shorter (5-6 miles) weekday run, I don't eat first. On the weekends, I sleep a little later and will eat some fruit before heading out on a longer run. I "splurge" with a banana before a race.

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Posts: 26
1/23/09 9:21 A

I always have a banana or a granola bar about 20-30 minutes before a run. Otherwise I'm starving during the run. It's the post-run snack that I have to force myself to eat because I'm never hungry afterwards. Usually that also ends up being a banana or a granola bar and then later I'll eat something more substantial.

Posts: 19,646
1/23/09 8:24 A

I must read to much because I have read that you should eat, and I have read that you don't need to eat. Which is best for you, I suppose, is up to you.

I always eat breakfast before I run...but I get up at 7:30 and run around 10:00am. SO I have plenty of time to let things settle.

I have read that what you eat just before a run isn't what you use as fuel. Then again Power Bar (and other items like it) suggest you eat their product 30 minutes before a run to energize.

Since you are starving at the end of your run, try and eat something before you head out, you might find it very helpful. But don't skip your post run snack...that snack is suppose to be an important one.

gail

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SparkPoints: (158,833)
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Posts: 46,222
1/22/09 5:03 P

Mandy,

I went to Nancy seminar here is Dallas and WOW, she is FANTASTIC. I usually eat a banana and then come home and finish my breakfast with some oatmeal and fruit or Accelerade if I have eaten and just need to refuel.

I was told not to eat green bananas as these can lead to GI issues (if you know what I mean)...the more ripe spotted ones are a better choice.

HAPPY SPARK RUNNING!
Nancy

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1/22/09 4:33 P

I will eat 30 minutes to an hour before short runs and 2 hours before a long runs.

I can tolerate jello w/fruit, apples, and gummy bears before short runs. I cannot do peanut butter for some reason.

You should experiment to see what works for you. Go light!

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Posts: 572
1/22/09 4:26 P

I like a half banana or small oatmeal w/peanut butter or 1 slice of toast w/peanut butter. But I only eat if I run later morning like around 9:00am. If i run early like 5am or 6am, I don't eat at all. I just bring a sports drink with me. If I'm running a longer mileage day, then no matter what time it is, I force myself to eat something for fuel. It really makes a difference in the quality of my long run.
You'll have to try different foods to see what works best for you. It's hard when you're not used to eating anything. Personally, I like running early with no food and then having a healthy recovery breakfast when I get home. But, everyone is unique, so you through trial and error you'll find what works for you.
I'm sure there will be lots of advice for you. This is such a knowledgeable and helpful group.
Good luck!!

Edited by: ANNETTE441 at: 1/22/2009 (16:26)

current weight: 152.0

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Posts: 1,586
1/22/09 4:23 P

I almost always eat a banana before I head out. 5-20 mins before a run. It just works for me.

Edited by: MZLANE at: 1/22/2009 (16:24)

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Posts: 275
1/22/09 4:16 P

I was just reading on Nancy Clark's website (she's a sports nutritionalist) about having a snack of 100-300 cals before a run. She said you should not run on an empty stomach. I always have and then want to eat the house down when I return. She did say to "train" your digestive track by starting out small (one cracker, or a small chunck of a banana, etc.) So, what do you eat before a run? And how long do you weight before running?
Thanks,
Mandy

current weight: 174.4

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