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?