What to Eat before a Run

What to eat before running? (try eating an hour or so before you workout)

First and foremost... it is important to know your body. If you are like me and run in the morning you are going to need to eat a bigger breakfast because you have very little energy stored since you have been inactive for at least 6-8 hours. But don't eat to much

While it may not be ideal I try to eat a "carby" breakfast which also has good sugars. I eat a granola or oatmeal (regular flavor with a little maple syrup or brown sugar on top) and a fruit typically bananas. I eat the banana to word of those nasty cramps and the granola is a good source of energy and fills me up for a long run.
You could also eat eggs.. a great source of protein... egg whites can be dressed up tons of ways.

As for drinks. I try to have a bottle of water before I run. If you are dehydrated forget about working out because you are going to get a cramp which may rival birthing pains... not that I can really compare the two but I know cramps hurt.

All and all eat something that you know will be filling but be a good source of energy. Vitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals are important as well. If you like protein shakes they are a good idea to consume after you workout. It will refill your system with what you may have lost during the workout. But those proteins bars may not be the best idea either. This runner had an issue with them.

Gatorade, vitamin water or drinks like that are alright but remember they are loaded with sugar, sodium and other ingredients that may not be the best for you. Try a fruit shake with a low-fat milk or yogurt base.

Why I Run? Chris Foehrkolb

J- How or why did you begin running?

C- I started right around the time I was graduating Towson in the late 70’s. I wanted to keep in shape and remain active. I started slow doing mostly cardio work then over time built up distance. When I was about 46 I decided to get into marathoning. My first races were half-marathons (13.1 miles) then slowly working towards a full marathon (26 miles) My husband had talked about doing the same thing and since then we have been running races. I just turned 50 and plan on continuing, maybe slowly cutting back the distance.

J. What is\was the hardest part of running?

C- I run about four half-marathons and two marathons on average every year. At the beginning and even still now, the hardest part is being consistent, establishing a habit and sticking to it even if you don’t feel up for it that day. You have to build a routine and work at it or else you may waste your time or worse…hurt yourself.

J. What advice can you give to beginning runners?

C- Be patient… is the best advice I was given. It takes time to build up endurance and stamina. It took me 20+ years to get where I am and it’s still hard. Progress is slow, steady and if done right should be as injury free as possible. Your main goal at the end of your first race is to finish… don’t worry about the time even doing a half-marathon with a walk-run pace is a great start.

J. What are the best and worst parts of running marathons?

C-Best-seeing yourself improve and getting faster with each run\race

C-Worst-injuries that come along with adding distances

J. When is your next race? What is your most ultimate goal?

C-I’m running in May in New Jersey and ultimately I will be working towards qualifying for the Boston Marathon. My qualifier hopefully will be in October.

Introducing Why I Run

I am trying to institute into my weekly posts which will be comprised of original content, involving strictly runners who have participated in cause marathons. I will ask them about their experiences, the highs, the lows, advice for or from other people, why they choose a specific race, etc... It will be called Why I Run. I started this already with a previous post (linked in the last sentence) and hopefully this will help give more insight into this sport\activity. I am working on a few interviews; one is a top runner from Columbia, the others begin with my oldest brother who runs them with his fiancé and range to those whom I have randomly met since I started this venture.