What To Eat Before Running

1) Don’t eat unfamiliar foods during a long run

I eat a very clean diet with minimally refined sugars or processed foods but opted to try “junk food” for easy fast carbs and fats during two ultras.

I figured,

“30 grams of carbs in 6 jujubes? Easy! A Mars Bar? Awesome!”

My digestion system fought back viciously,

“What is this garbage?! Get out of me!”

Lesson learned: Don’t try this on the trail.

2) Don’t eat too little – or too much

Too little food will make you “bonk” if you are running for hours. The amount of carbs, fats and calories you are burning is HUGE! You need to replenish or it will just weaken you.

Too much food will bring about the description in the previous point,

“Get out of me!”

3) Don’t fall victim to temptations at the aid stations

Sure, that weird food could be delicious. But have you ever tried running off a buffet dinner?!

That random assortment of food probably doesn’t compliment each other.. Unless you normally eat pineapple with salted potatoes, energy gels and miscellaneous baked goods.

In that case, smorgasbord on, my friend!

1) Try foods during a training run

You know what they say, practice makes perfect! It’s better to know that a certain type of food doesn’t sit well with you before race day.

2) Eat foods with higher carb amounts

I loved eating dried fruit last run! Try to stick to eating around 100-200 calories an hour or more. The goal is to replenish 60% of the carbs you are burning.

3) Be prepared for mistakes on the trail

If your tummy is upset one race- make sure you bring toilet paper for emergencies or know where any outhouses may be! Don’t quit, try something different the next race!

Dried figs

Dates

Bananas

Dried cranberries

Homemade energy bars

Electrolyte/carb drinks