What to eat before running?

[dbot]

So I have to run 1.5 miles under 13 minutes, half of it uphill.

I've been training and did it in 12:45 yesterday. Trying to get it to the point where I can get it around 12:30 consistantly.

Question is, what's the best thing to eat before a run and when?

I've read oatmeal and fruit about an hour and half before since it loads you up with good carbs and sugar for energy. Any other suggestions?

 

[vi edit]

1.5 miles really isn't that far and "carbing" up beforehand will make little difference. A half marathon(or further) on the other hand requires a little more planning and dietary consideration.

Just eat something light that sits well in your belly.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I prefer energy gel for stuff like that.

 

[Capt Caveman]

For a 13 minute run, eating something lite 1 1/2 hours beforehand should be fine. If you want, an energy gel with lots of caffeine (like GU's Double Expresso) 15 minutes before your run might give you a little more energy.

 

[dbot]

Hmm I've never tried this energy gel stuff. I'm gonna pick some up at vitamin shoppe before my run today. Thanks

 

[Deeko]

Like vi said, what you eat isn't as big a deal for a short run. Just make sure you aren't 'weighed down' by something heavy.

 

[lupi]

It's a mile and a half. I used to do those in the morning before I had finished waking up. (Although pay attention to others so you don't go offcourse)

 

[dbot]

I know, it shouldn't be that difficult but I never did cardio up until a couple weeks ago. At that point I was doing 10 minute miles, so I have gotten better. Hopefully I can beat that 13 minute mark on Saturday

 

[TanisHalfElven]

guys i think everyone missed that half of it UPHILL point. 1.5 mile is not too much although still a lot. but uphill is another thing. eat anything that has a carbs in it and less fat and protiens. both are hard to digest. if you can find a glucose drink use that otherwise gatorade (i use the powder don't know about the bottled drink) is good too.

 

[Wapp]

I suggest you Carbo-Load on Fettuccine Alfredo about 5 minutes before your run.

 

[Skacer]

You do not want to be weighed down for a 1.5 mile run, you don't want to feel sluggish or feel like you're going to vomit halfway through. Drink water, keep light and have some sugar or something before the run for extra energy. Or you could be a terrible runner like my friend, and pound down some pixie sticks in the middle of the run, haha.

Just make sure you are awake before the run starts. If you eat anything substantial, keep it 3 hours out.

 

[Pugnax]

Originally posted by: Wapp
I suggest you Carbo-Load on Fettuccine Alfredo about 5 minutes before your run.

Haha. Worked for Michael...well..almost

 

[tranceport]

Originally posted by: Wapp
I suggest you Carbo-Load on Fettuccine Alfredo about 5 minutes before your run.

Damn. Beat me to it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
1.5 miles really isn't that far and "carbing" up beforehand will make little difference. A half marathon(or further) on the other hand requires a little more planning and dietary consideration.

Just eat something light that sits well in your belly.

Agreed.

 

[Modular]

Just eat whatever you want. If you puke while running then you are that much more of a man.

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: tranceport

Originally posted by: Wapp
I suggest you Carbo-Load on Fettuccine Alfredo about 5 minutes before your run.

Damn. Beat me to it.

LOL, me too

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: tranceport

Originally posted by: Wapp
I suggest you Carbo-Load on Fettuccine Alfredo about 5 minutes before your run.

Damn. Beat me to it.

LOL, me too

same here

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: loki8481

Originally posted by: loup garou

Originally posted by: tranceport

Originally posted by: Wapp
I suggest you Carbo-Load on Fettuccine Alfredo about 5 minutes before your run.

Damn. Beat me to it.

LOL, me too

same here

We're slow.

 

[Miramonti]

Water or juice. Otherwise its like filling up a tank with gas to go to the corner 7-11.

 

[Drekce]

I really have a hard time deciding which one is better...The Office or Arrested Development.

And for a 1.5 mile run I would just make sure that you don't overeat beforehand. I run 4-6 miles a few times a week and never consider what I eat to prepare for it.

 

[GasX]

for a 13 minute run, I would do zero exercise the day before and get a good night's sleep. As long as you eat SOMETHING, you'll be fine.

 

[sandorski]

water, don't forget to stretch.

 

[BeauJangles]

Congrats on getting into running! As others have said, it really won't matter much as long as you don't eat right beforehand. Staying hydrated helps, too.

Personally, my body is awful before I get it warmed up. Before I go for a 'real' run (like training), I generally have to run a 1/2 mile, stretch, etc.

 

[Skacer]

Originally posted by: sandorski
water, don't forget to stretch.

And never, ever stretch cold, always warm up first. Easiest way to get an injury.

 

[BeauJangles]

Originally posted by: Skacer

Originally posted by: sandorski
water, don't forget to stretch.

And never, ever stretch cold, always warm up first. Easiest way to get an injury.

the most important stretching you do, though, is after your run / practice / whatever.