Tag Archives: Morning

Running on empty

I always try to run after food – normally an hour ish after breakfast or 1-2 hours after lunch or dinner.  And I’ve always found my energy levels pretty good like this.  For some longer long runs I’ll take energy drinks with me though most times not.  On the marathon itself, back in 2009, I found myself drinking the energy drinks along the route whenever they were available – my energy levels then just seemed to be shot to bits, so I needed the top-ups.

A good review of some of the more commonly available energy gels and snacks is here.

This last weekend I did an early morning 1/2 marathon and decided not to have breakfast – but did have a small packet of Jelly Belly’s sport beans (about 30 minutes before the run).  The run started well – and along one of my usual routes – but even before half way my pace had slowed far more than I’d wanted and the running was hard.  Managed to do 1:46 but it was no way near where I wanted to be.  For me breakfast is a must before the morning runs.

Not a fry-up though – as good as that looks.  A nice bowl of gluten free cereals and rice milk.  And no coffee before running – to save me having to go to the loo mid-way.

After my longer runs now, I alway drink a bottle (or 2 for long long ones) of Lucozade Sports Orange Body Gel – the same drink they hand-out along the London Marathon route.

What do you eat before you run?  And how long before?

The 20 miler

First one this year – and for this marathon training – done this morning.  And did I forget how hilly Richmond Park actually is or what?  Slightly different route to the last long runs in Richmond Park – pretty much going the other way round the park.  Which turned out to be the hillier way round (is that a real word?).

It seems such a nice park when you get in and start running round, but there are many killer hills.  Elevation changes of over 50m along route and some very quick changes, i.e. short steep hills.  And then some long not as steep ones thrown in.  All good training.

Pace was around 10% slower than planned marathon pace – which is good – but just found out it was a slower pace than back in 2009 (though the route was different and hillier as mentioned, and I did a 10 mile run yesterday, so little time to recover).  Do need to leave longer gaps before the long runs.

Early start this morning – out for 8am – but then back before 11am and the rest of the day still ahead (and you’ve done a 20 mile run already).  Great way to start the weekend.  Hunger levels have been something else today!