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#134 - Do I Eat Before I Run?

Episode #134  This week’s blog/podcast we will answer the question:

“Do I Eat Before I Run?” 

As the calendar has changed from January to the month of February, I am still addressing many questions that new runners have. This week we will answer the question: “Do I Eat Before I Run?” Many ask this question the night before their first 5k event. It is better to figure this out before the special day. This is an experiment of one……you. Let’s dive in to get some thoughts on this topic from myself and other experienced runners. 

My name is Coach Tadris Parker, I have a passion for helping people become healthier one step at a time. My podcast is designed to help share stories of everyday people that are doing amazing things with their health through running, walking, and following a whole food approach. My blogs are my shorthand notes for the podcast. The notes may not always be complete, but they are short and to the point for a quick read. Continue to scroll down for a quick read and check out this week’s photos. 

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Do I Eat Before I Run?

I run in a fasted state all the time and I love it. I have been running this way for the past 3 years. I try to go into every race with at least a 12 hour fast under my belt. I run clean and faster when I run on an empty stomach. I do have a cup of cold brew coffee about 2 hours before the race. 

If you are a person that needs something to eat I suggest that you don’t eat right before the run. This will cause that side cramp that you will dread. Choosing whether to eat before a run or not also depends on the distance of your run. If it is a shorter distance, it will not be necessary to eat anything. Depending on how long the run is, you may need a little fuel in your furnace. Each person is different when it comes to this. To some, a long run could be 8 miles, while others say anything over 10 miles. I on the other hand treat my marathons in the same fashion, no food 12 hours before my event. 

If you do decide to eat, it is advisable to do so an hour and a half before the run. I also recommend eating something light and digestible. 

What Runners Say:

Tina - If I'm hungry I'll eat part of a banana or something small and I drink a little too. However most days no food


Valerie - Under 8 miles no. If more then I may have whole grain toast with nut butter


Charles - For a full marathon, yes.  Two tablespoons of coconut or almond butter plus a banana and a salt pill.  For a half, maybe. Anything under that, no.  Fastest I run a 10K these days is after a 36 hour fast!


Pat - I eat WHILE I run


Gabe - No, only an extra shot, extra hot, flat white coffee with 2 stevias. 


Gary - I drink coffee and then I run.


Anthony - Sometimes a banana for longer runs


Austin - Depends on the time of the day I am running. If it’s a morning run then nope, just coffee and pre workout


Jessica - Nope! Anytime I eat like an hour before my runs I get cramps and have to stop more often because I get that terrible gas bubble right under my ribs.


How about you? Do you eat before a big race? Please feel free to leave a comment below. You can also now leave a 60 second message for the show. Introduce yourself with your name and where you are from. Then leave a question, words of motivation, your personal story, or just tell us how you enjoy the show. 

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The Week That Was

We had such a great week of practice here in New Jersey. On Tuesday the track was full of snow, so we ran on the salted street. Thursday it was rainy and this group still showed up strong. Showing up strong for one another is what we do. It also helped that for the month of February we reintroduced the Keeping It Real Health Challenge. This challenge is for members only and they get credit for every pound lost, practice attended, and race participated in.

Shout out to our two new members Dawn and Charissa for completing week 2 of our 10-Week 8k training. So proud of them for coming out in the middle of winter to start their running practice.

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