Favorite Pre-Long Run Meal?
Posted by
Alison Barkman, MS, RD
I've had years to experiment with what does and absolutely DOES NOT settle well in my gut before a long run. I've found a toasted bagel with a little bit of jelly is best, maybe a banana as well. I try to stick with mostly carbohydrates before a long run. Too much protein or fat will give me terrible cramps during the run. Sometimes a little bit of peanut butter on the bagel is okay, but it would have to be AT LEAST a good 3 hours before I run. And I would think a couple waffles or pancakes with syrup would be an excellent fuel source, but I don't usually have the time. It would have to be the good old "white flour" type and not high fiber/whole grain; that would also aggravate the gut. What is your favorite pre-long run meal?
Posted by Alison Barkman, MS, RD
I've had years to experiment with what does and absolutely DOES NOT settle well in my gut before a long run. I've found a toasted bagel with a little bit of jelly is best, maybe a banana as well. I try to stick with mostly carbohydrates before a long run. Too much protein or fat will give me terrible cramps during the run. Sometimes a little bit of peanut butter on the bagel is okay, but it would have to be AT LEAST a good 3 hours before I run. And I would think a couple waffles or pancakes with syrup would be an excellent fuel source, but I don't usually have the time. It would have to be the good old "white flour" type and not high fiber/whole grain; that would also aggravate the gut. What is your favorite pre-long run meal?