By Ella Genasci Smith
Don't eat right before a run
The ideal time to eat is two hours before a run. Follow this rule and you're more likely to avoid stomach discomfort or cramps mid-run. If you're going long, you're better off fueling up mid-run than eating right before.
Mostly carbs
If I'm snacking closer to my start time (45-60 minutes before my run), I go for something that will give me a quicker source of fuel, so I gravitate towards half a Brave or banana with a bit of peanut or almond butter.
Add protein and fat for longer runs
If it's a longer trail run or I'm feeling extra hungry in the morning I'll eat half a bagel with peanut butter and banana slices on top. This heavier pre-run snack I'll usually eat a little further out from my start time (1.5 hours) to give my body more time to digest.
Real foods
I try to stick to real foods as much as possible but it's extra important before a run and easier on the digestive system.
Some of my go-to snacks are:
- Bananas (great source of electrolytes)
- Nut butter (I eat a lot of peanut butter)
- Brave (I only eat half before a run)
- GoMacro bar
- Ezekiel toast with peanut butter and honey
Ella Genasci Smith - Brave Squad Member
