Runners - what do you eat before and after?

[MRSchultz]

OK - now that I've confessed my stupidity today I'm going about this in a MUCH better way!

All of you runners out there - what do you eat before a run and after to keep you energized and your body in good health. I don't want to have another day like I did today.

Thanks,
~Marcia~

 

[Tamster]

I run first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. When I return from my run, I always tack on some additional Cathe work. After that I have my breakfast.

I drink a lot of water throughout the day too.

Tammy

 

[amyg]

A lot of water, during and after the run. I always have half gatorade half water during the run. Sometimes for a long run I'll also have a Gu halfway through. You could have honey instead though. They have ketchup packets of honey at KFC that you can stick in your pocket.

After a run I like to have sparkling water, too. I don't know why- I think sometimes it's the sodium or something.

 

[Mckmain]

Marcia...before my shorter runs I have half a genisoy protein bar. For runs over 10 miles I will normally eat oatmeal with fruit, protein powder and soymilk. For runs aver 14 miles I add a gel about 10-12 miles that I get from Accelerade. I have trouble with gels as they are normally too sweet and I hate that...so I experiment from time to time.

After any of my workouts I drink a fruit smoothie with protein powder for recvoery......Carole

 

[Elaine Keller]

I'm sort of like Carole...

I always run in them morning. I eat oatmeal with fruit for breakfast with some sort of protien. Maybe lean turkey bacon. Every 45 minutes to 1 hour during long runs I use Carb Boom energy gel (orange/vanilla flavor). I drink 1/2 water and 1/2 sports drink also.

I don't drink during shorter runs (6 miles and under).

After any exercise I drink a protein powder and fruit smoothie within 1/2 hour of finishing. I think the protein/carbohydrate drink is important for recovery if you frequently push it hard in your workouts/runs.

 

[AndreaL]

Preparing the day before is most important IMO. Hydrate well, eat a good carb dinner, and get your sleep.

I run within 30 min. of waking so only have a small muffin or half of a bagel and water. Breakfast afterwards ranges from smoothie to omelet to oatmeal to yogurt/fruit/Fiber1. I have to have variety!

Andrea