I have mentioned before that I like to listen to podcasts while running. Marathon Training Academy is one that I listen to quite a bit, and their latest podcast is about avoiding bonking and cramping during a marathon. Pretty interesting. I listened pretty carefully to what they had to say since I major bonked on my first and so far only marathon.
Your muscle glycogen (80% of total glycogen stores) remains intact even after a night of sleep. Even if your stomach is feeling hungry your muscles are fueled and ready to go. Just take a gel about 5 minutes before your race or long run and you’re primed for a successful race. If you feel the need to eat pre-race make sure that you do it at least 3 hours prior to the starting time. sourceI have been doing all of my early morning runs and bike rides lately on an empty stomach and a cup of coffee. I haven't missed breakfast so far.
Sunday I did my long run of 6.5 miles and I can't even begin to describe how good it feels to be almost back up to 7 miles. I thought about going for it. I was really only going to do 6 miles but when I got home I realized we hadn't picked up the mail Saturday and the mailbox is a quarter mile from our house so I ran down and got it.
Yesterday I threw in some burpees at my turn around point just for fun cause I am crazy like that I guess. I love the way Cola is looking at me here, probably thinking I am crazy.
I also took the kids down to swim lessons and happened to stop by a store that had some small evergreens and shrubs on sale. I have been wanting to buy some, but find that while I have no problem dropping $100 dollars on running shoes, $20 for a tree or $12 for a shrub is too pricey.
Luckily these were all marked 50% or more off. I picked out 9 shrubs and 3 small trees. After I checked out I discovered they were all marked down even further to 80% off.. SCORE!
Of course then I had to go home and dig 12 holes in the 85 degree heat, I was sweating like crazy when I got done and ready to go in and put my feet up. Then I remembered the 24 pounds of peaches that needed to be processed. That pretty much consumed the rest of my afternoon. 14 pints and 3 quarts later I was done. I think I probably ate at least 4 peaches during the process, talk about yummy!
Do you ever run on empty in the mornings or do you feel like you need to fuel first?
I usually eat an hour before long runs, but it probably works out to three hours before actual races. If my stomach feels hungry, I usually feel nauseous on the run, so I definitely need to eat.
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting, I was just questioning if I should eat before long runs, because I never do. Now I have an answer! Your peaches look fantastic, it's been a bit since I've canned them, now I'm hungry for them!!
ReplyDeletealways run empty if I run in the morning. Otherwise, I feel like crap and need to crap. lol
ReplyDeleteA fourth of a cup of Fiber One, a few sips of water and I'm off. It's habit.
ReplyDeleteI've been running in a glycogen depleted state for a year now...I've even gone up to 20 miles with it! I really like it and have totally adjusted to it. The key, of course, is to run an easy pace if you're going to make it!
ReplyDeleteI always feel hungry when I run long. Typically I will eat a banana or something before I start. I guess at some point, I could try it. What is the worst that could happen?
ReplyDeleteIf I wake up starving then I might snack on something. Other than that I usually run on a empty stomach.
ReplyDeleteShort runs I dont drink or eat anything, just get out of bed and go run. Longer runs I do try to eat a banana. I will have not eating anything. Thanks.I hate when I'm so busy I dont have time to think or just sit for 5 mins and relax.
ReplyDeleteI hardly ever eat before my mid-week runs, but I always eat before a long run or race. I guess the same logic applies and the quote you included would support that. I might try it! One bonus is that it reduces the dreaded bathroom issue during the run :)
ReplyDeleteIf I am running in the morning, I cannot eat anything before it. I'm a weirdo like that. But if in the afternoon, then i try to eat foods that will "fuel" me especially to avoid bonking. To this day I remember the worse bonking I've ever had. I was in Germany training for my first triathlon and during my run I just ran out of fuel. I am talking I could barely walk. Legs felt like led and even though my mind was saying running, the legs just weren't cooperating. It was so weird.
ReplyDeleteMaria
Asphalt & Trails
I must fuel before a morning run. On race day I generally get up, eat 4 Eggo's with syrup (no butter) and then head out to the race. Since there's usually a couple of hours between eating and running, my stomach is pretty empty by the time the gun sounds, so a GU goes down pretty well.
ReplyDeleteI've always been an early morning, empty stomach, runner. I do use Hammer Gel for longer runs (75 minutes or more) and add in Hammer Perpeteum for any run over 2 hours. On the mornings when I wake up hungry, I get myself out the door with the promise of something to good to eat afterwards!
ReplyDeleteYou have been a busy lady. Loved the burpees mid run. That is hardcore. I usually don't eat munch pre workout because my tummy always feels yucky. I do usually take a gel right before a longer race though.
ReplyDeleteLove homecanned peaches... I am on my way!
ReplyDeleteI used to run on an empty stomach or a bit of banana. Now I run later in the morning usually and will have breakfast first.
When we did our sprints yesterday I made us a protein shake before we went out... small but something.
On those random days when I get up before work to run at 5am, I'll just run on coffee....but those runs are never more than 3 miles. I'm not sure I could handle a long run without any food!
ReplyDeleteI never eat before I run on my shorter runs throughout the week (up to 6 or 7 miles). For long runs I do eat, but usually something light and shortly before I run. I've read/heard that same thing before. They say the same thing about Gatorade or whatever that you should have it right before exercise or several hours before.
ReplyDeleteI never fuel or eat before a run of any length. Before a race I will drink some Tailwind and take a gel sometimes right before the start, then I just fuel during the run. During training I only bring a drink/fuel if I am running 14 miles or longer.
ReplyDeleteI usually eat about 2 hours (or 1 sometimes) before my run. However, if I run after work, it's been usually about 3 hours...so I guess it varies. However, I rarely fuel (or barely fuel) during the run itself.
ReplyDeleteThose peaches look great! How do you process them and how do you eat them when you eat them later?