Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

running on empty stomach

26 replies

mintpoppet · 15/05/2015 18:41

I've got a few days coming up where I will only have time to eat on the train. I was going to get up early and do 6-8 mile runs but would have to get up at least an hour earlier (like 4.30am!) if I wanted to eat breakfast first. Is it dangerous to run that far on empty and then eat breccie on the train after it?

OP posts:
JennyOnTheBlocks · 15/05/2015 20:01

I've done that distance on coffee and not much more - wouldn't make a habit of it tbh, it was hard going and I got tired much more quickly

Original poster
mintpoppet · 15/05/2015 20:08

Thanks. Not sure what to do then. Might have to get up and have breccie but will have time to do less milage.

OP posts:
elspethmcgillicuddy · 15/05/2015 20:09

I usually only have a banana and some water before my early morning long runs. Has always been fine.

elspethmcgillicuddy · 15/05/2015 20:10

I did 11 on that last weekend and planning 12 miles tomorrow.

Original poster
mintpoppet · 15/05/2015 20:14

Thanks. Might have half a shake or something so I can still run soon after getting up . Will have more when I get back or on the train.

OP posts:
Doyouthinktheysaurus · 15/05/2015 20:23

Not dangerous but you may not run as strongly.

I did the 5:2 diet for a while and ran up to 10 miles on a fast day and 7 the day after a fast day.

After the first few weeks I got used to it but I didn't enjoy my runs as much. I can have a small meal and run soon after so I'd opt for that rather than nothing to eat. Not everyone can eat and run though.

suzannecanthecan · 15/05/2015 20:25

everyone is different but generally speaking if you train fasted then you train your body to run in a fasted state, ie to tap into stored fat earlier on in the proceedings, I always train fasted and dont have a problem with 12 miles or so

christinarossetti · 15/05/2015 20:27

I usually have a bowl of cornflakes before I go to bed if I know that I'm going to get up early to run.

Original poster
mintpoppet · 15/05/2015 20:35

Thanks guys

OP posts:
suzannecanthecan · 15/05/2015 20:41

I tend to eat a lot before I go to bed, probably 11pm, then go out running about 12 hours later.
I cant eat and run

TandemFlux · 15/05/2015 20:44

I would manage a motioning run really well in a fasted state. An evening run on an empty stomach would be harder

Claybury · 15/05/2015 21:23

Lots of people would be fine with this.
I tend to eat dinner early and wake hungry so I'd struggle although it may be psychological as I'd feel I was running on empty. Suzanne is right, it's a great way to train your body to use fat as fuel.
Dehydration could be more of a problem. You could try an energy drink or gel on rising which would be quickly absorbed.
I admire your dedication!

Happyyellowcar · 15/05/2015 21:25

I've always run on an empty stomach and do those distances at. 5.30am at the moment. I have a little drink of water then run extra fast thinking about my lovely porridge when I get back.

StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 15/05/2015 21:29

I always run before breakfast and find it hard to do a race that starts later in the day. I can run up to 20km-ish on an empty stomach as long as I'm well hydrated. I snack right up until bedtime though, so I'm happy to wait for breakfast.

MrsMook · 15/05/2015 21:36

I struggle to run on empty. I can't run while digesting either! I also have to be really careful about what I eat or I'll regret it mid-run.

If I've got a bit of time, a banana is easily digested. If I'm making an early start, I'll have an energy drink as I seem to have very few options that suit my body.

I'm not naturally an early morning runner, but the logistics of family life push me to early mornings or late nights.

pootlebug · 16/05/2015 21:35

Late in the day, I struggle to run on empty. But first thing in the morning it's not a problem. I had half a banana and a cup of tea before 17km first thing yesterday…wasn't a problem. If I tried to do that at 2pm after no lunch I'd struggle much more.

avocadotoast · 16/05/2015 21:37

I used to have a spoonful of peanut butter before heading out to run. High in calorie but incredibly quick to eat!

Grantaire · 16/05/2015 21:40

I always run/train first thing and without breakfast. It's actually a fairly good habit to get into if you are able to do it.

BIWI · 16/05/2015 21:43

I'm a long term low carber, and this means that my body burns fat for fuel rather than carbs - so exercising in a fasted state isn't an issue.

Haroldplaystheharmonica · 16/05/2015 22:11

Running first thing on an empty stomach is fine for me, running the day after a fast day (5:2 person here) is much harder.

lastqueenofscotland · 17/05/2015 14:00

I prefer to not eat!

If you do what about a bit of flapjack? half a slice of toast, bit of fruit. Something like that.

gincamelbak · 17/05/2015 14:03

I trained for a half marathon last yr and on long run days would be out before breakfast. Water essential, food could wait.

Original poster
mintpoppet · 17/05/2015 15:36

Thanks. I did 6 miles yesterday (was aiming for about 8) but it felt more knackering without food. I imagine it gets easier though once my body gets used to it. Didn't help that I had a sharp pain in my knee and had to slow to a walk for about three quarters of a mile. Knee seemed fine after a while so no longer damage I don't think.

OP posts:
chrome100 · 18/05/2015 15:31

I run before work in the morning. I run up to 10 miles on an empty stomach (well, I usually have a glass of squash before I go). I never have any problems.

Stillwishihadabs · 18/05/2015 15:47

I always have coffee and a banAna a before a rum, but that's my usual weekday breakfast so no difference really.

Swipe left for the next trending thread