To eat or not to eat

Five Fighters

Team WRAL is participating in the NC Triangle Race for the Cure on June 13, 2009. Pam Saulsby and four other members of the team – the Five Fighters – have already begun preparing for the race. Pam will keep you updated on their progress here.

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To eat or not to eat

By Pam Saulsby

Posted: May 28, 2008

I like to hit the ground running with this race training thing. Getting it out of the way clears the way for me to get on with all the other things I am up to in the world.

That's not what's happening though. I've been told to eat something before I get up and go. Nothing that's going to make me feel stuffed... just a bit of fuel for the tank.

Usually I'll down a piece of banana with soy nut butter, or I'll spread some of that soy nut butter on a wheat waffle.

Here's the thing: I have to wait for that little pre-workout breakfast to digest a bit. That's the part I don't like. I just want to run!

I wonder why I HAVE to eat. I mean I'm running a 5k, not a marathon. Please.

So, this morning I flipped the script and I ran without eating. I know that so much of the training is mental, so I had already planned to talk to myself though the challenging parts of the run. I have little mantras like: show yourself strong, no surrender, the road is yours, and others.

I completed my run. My legs felt dead when I came off the last hill. I really had to push myself to make it. The thing is, it's always a struggle at that point, so I am not convinced I need to eat. I'm going to try it this way one more time and see if I get the same outcome. Then I'll choose: to eat or not to eat . What do you think?

Does it matter if you eat before you run?

4 Comments

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When I was in the Army Reserves in Charlotte, some of the soldiers, my commanding officer, and I decided to fun the Charlotte half marathon. We all met as a group before the race. While we were all gathering together, I noticed my commanding officer eating a jelly donut and a large coffee. I was amazed. I had taken a shower and had a glass of OJ and some water an hour before the race, but that was it. Most of the others soldiers from my unit had the same thing or less. I asked my commanding officer how he could eat 30 minutes before a race. He said he needed the energy.

After the race was over I asked him if he was feeling okay, and he mentioned that his stomach hurt. Out of all the soldiers running in the race, my commanding officer came in last.

If you are going to eat something, make sure it is healthy, small, and at least 60 minutes prior to the start of the race.

Good Luck!

PS - Music - "Relax", by Frankie Goes To Hollywood, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", by Wham

mclhauser
June 5, 2008 4:35 p.m.

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Pam,

I am enjoying your blog about training. I run, and almost never eat beforehand. I also like to get it out of the way first thing. I run anywhere from 3-6 miles, and find all I need is a little water beforehand, more if it is warmer out. This approach may not be recommended, but it has worked for me for years! I eat a little while after I run. Good luck in the race!

Kathleen
May 28, 2008 9:57 p.m.

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Yes!! Thank you so much for that. I'll get a gel pack. Great idea. That's what I needed to hear. woo-hoo!!

psaulsby
May 28, 2008 6:19 p.m.

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Pam, 15 minutes before you begin your run, eat an energy gel. You'll be set. I prefer Gu brand, but you can find them from Accel, Hammer, Powergel, etc. Look for maltodextrin as a key ingredient. Typically about 100 calories, easy to digest. Save the banana and other heavier foods for post-run refueling (which should include a 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein. Interestingly enough, chocolate milk is a 4:1 ratio, and is fairly-highly regarded in the running/triathlon community as a good recovery fuel. Plus, it's tasty!

fgump
May 28, 2008 5:41 p.m.

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