question for morning runners

[Suzy Mouse]

Now that I have to get into gear with my training I feel that the best time for me to run is in the morning. So if I get up and out at around 5:30 is it best that I snack before I run? or will I get cramps? I know that it's best if I have energy but worry about cramping up.

Can anyone give me an idea of what they do if they are running in the morning? Thank you!

 

[VernRDH]

I too run that early in the morning. If it is a weekday and I have to go to work, I don't have time to eat, then wait then run. But if it is a weekend I will eat first then go out. My weekday runs are short (only 3 miles) but for the long runs on the weekend I do need to eat.

 

[jmasgat]

Suzanne The answer (of course) is it depends on you and your metabolism. As for me, I work out at 5:30 am every weekday. I don't eat/drink anything beforehand. I am one of those people who just doesn't like to feel like I have a full stomach when I run. I don't do long runs on weekdays--6 miles or less--so I am not fuel-starved. I drink plenty of water while I run. I have never had issues with cramps--just don't like the feeling of food on my stomach. Works okay for training runs, but even I had to fuel up before a race. Just had to makes sure it was 2+ hours in advance.

You need to find what works for you. If you are going for short runs, then you may be perfectly fine without eating. Play around with it andsee what makes you comfortable.

Maura

 

[funwalker]

Suzanne,

It is hard to say - nothing works for everyone. Our systems are all so different. I would suggest you try different things until you find what works for you.

I go to the gym at 5:am and I drink a protein shake in the morning.
Short walks under 4-mile I usually do not eat anything.
On Saturdays when going on my longer walks (over 4-miles) I usually eat toast w/peanut butter. I use the GU every hour so I have to have water with me.

 

[Suzy Mouse]

Thank you for your replies.

In the past when I have done 3 miles I would be fine without eating beforehand. But the more I read the more I see that you should fuel your body before running.

 

[Duanerice]

I only run in the mornings on the weekend. Otherwise it is always after work. But I will eat a bowl of cereal, the exact thing I eat every day. I usually run within 30 min of eating.

So take what everyone says then see if it works for you. If you don't feel lightheaded or that you need food, then don't eat. Kind of if it ain't broke, don't fix it! You'll know if you need to eat.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[cryssi]

When I used to be able to run in the morning, I wouldn't eat anything if just going out for 3 miles. 4 or more I'd try to eat a banana. Taking a GU beforehand would work, too, if you can't stomach solid food that early...

 

[Caseydilla]

I have a hard time eating anything before an early run, I get nauseas if I eat too early. If I do want to eat something light, I find that a bowl of Special K is pretty easy on my stomach or a piece of toast with some butter.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I'm one of those people who can't really eat before working out or running. If it's 3 miles or less, I just drink water. If I have to eat, I usually go with cereal or a couple slices of raisin bread. It's not what I would normally eat for breakfast but it doesn't irritate my stomach. When I come back, I'll usually make a fruit smoothie or something like that.

 

[deekaypee]

I'm like Duane. My weekend run is my morning run. I eat my normal breakfast of oatmeal and a banana beforehand. I'm out the door in 30 minutes or so. No problems. And in general, I don't shift my eating patterns for running--with the exception of bringing fuel on LRs over 75 minutes or fueling afterwards. I'm much more focused on hydration.

I think the key is to experiment with what works for you. It might be different at different times of days or varying weather conditions. And different distances, of course. But if you're feeling fine with your runs as is, you might not need to tweak your eating unless you're also changing the intensity or distance. Trust your body to tell you what you need.

 

[surfermickey]

My runs are always in the morning. I tend not to eat before I run, but always try to drink some kind of protien drink within 15 minutes of completing my run. I found that if I eat before I feel sick, and it just isn't worth it. I even did the Princess 1/2 without eathing anything before hand. So my best advice is to try things out and see what works best for you.

 

[lil mermaid]

I am usually STARVING when I wake up, so I usually have a bit of oatmeal and half a banana and some coffee about 1/2 hour before I go out. If I am going on a longer run, I will also take a GU or some Clif shot blocks with me and take them about 2-3 miles in.

 

[Suzy Mouse]

thank you all for your advice!!

 

[Amps]

I almost always run in the morning and I need to eat before running or I just start to feel gross after 15-20mins.

Short run (3-6 miles) - I eat a granola bar or a couple of whole grain cookies
Long run (an hour or more) - At least two granola bars or a bagel with a little bit of butter. I also try to drink a little water to help get the food from my stomach into digestion so it's not bouncing around.

No matter what though, I always make sure I leave myself 30-40mins after eating before running to avoid the extra bouncing in my stomach and potential cramps. I can't say I've ever felt the smallest discomfort as long as I've left myself some time after eating.

Ooooooohhh......a good idea is to eat and then hit the toilet. I don't know about you but it takes me a while to get "moving" in the morning and the wait after eating is a great time to make sure I'm all cleaned out so there's no issues while on the road.

Happy days!

 

[ryley26]

Have to admit I run at 5 AM and have a sweet tooth. I usally have either a couple of cookies or chocolate before my runs. I run between 7-8 miles aday and am not usally very hungry until after the shower. I agree experiment and see what works best for you. Rich

 

[SAHDad]

Most of my running is done about 9 am (SAHD, and preschool/child watch start at 8:30, so I wait a bit). Since my weekday runs are less than an hour, I just wait until after I am done running and have something to get me by until lunch. On a long run, I try to have something about half an hour before I run - though I swear by twizzlers, since I know that they don't cause me any GI issues.

Experiment, and find what works for you. Some people can eat just before running, others can't eat for at least 3 hours. It's all trial and error, really.

 

[wellesleyprincess]

I run in the mornings to beat the heat in the late spring/summer/early fall. Usually, I don't eat if it's less than 5 miles, but will be sure to drink Propel or Gatorade before and then eat right after. If I do eat it's usually a banana or half of a Power Bar.