Ritch, Betty- Running QuestioN!!

[Pumababi]

I do cardio first thing in the am, and I run on an empty stomach. I'm making progress, slowly increasing my mileage. Yesterday, I was able to do 4 miles, and today I could only do one. I just didn't have the energy to go further, so I walked on incline. What do you suggest? Should I be having a meal beforehand, and if so- what would be appropriate? I'm in bootcamp right now, so carb intake is low. Also, as you progressed the rungs- how many carbs do you need as a runner? Are there certain carbs that are better than others- ie.. fruit? or oatmeal?

[Richt]

Re: Ritch, Betty- Running QuestioN!!

I havent really increased my carbs that greatly since I started running more, I just make sure I eat something before I run. Usually if I am racing on a sunday morning, I will have about a litre of water and some ham and cheese about 2 hours before the race. Then depending on the length of the run I will have a snack almost straight after finishing, aswell as a lot more water.

There are some stange anomolies with running, some days you can run and run and appear invincible yet other days you will struggle. Thats what I think you have experienced there. Also, if you are only used to running smaller distances and then you increase it to 4 miles the chances are it will take a bit more out of you (effort wise). Personally, I would probably have recomended that you hadnt tried to run the following day. But thats ok, you learn from your mistakes.

With regards to increasing your carbs, and not wishing to sound patrionising. With a 4 mile run, you probably won't get to the "hitting the wall" stage and wouldnt need to increase carb levels.

When you get up to the 13 mile mark and more, thats potentially when you need to think a bit more about it. The first time I finished a half marathon (13.1miles) I came close to passing out because f it. Aslong as you are sufficiently hydrated with water everything else should be great.

Congrats on making the step up to 4 miles. Any idea how long it took you? It might be a good idea for you to start an exercise journal so that you can keep track of everything you have done and in months to come you can look back at your history and see how you have improved.

Good luck and keep it up.

Rich

[boonie stomper]

Re: Ritch, Betty- Running QuestioN!!

Exercising before your first meal of the day could be hampering your efforts. While a heavy meal might not be a good idea less than 1-2 hours beforehand, eating a little something beforehand could make a difference how long you hold out - a little cheese or nuts, perhaps, and then a meal with meat soon after to give your muscles protein to build and strengthen.

[ttdriver]

Re: Ritch, Betty- Running QuestioN!!

I typically run in the mornings without food, 6 or 7 miles with no problem. On Saturdays when I have my long runs of 12-15 miles, I have a protein shake an hour before I go and maybe a banana at about mile 10 or 11. I run alot better with less food in my stomach .. always have .. I guess my body's just adjusted to it. Its definitely an individual thing, though.

I agree with Rich; perhaps you increased your miles too soon and it took its toll with the next run. Try to run every other day and see if that helps. On the other hand, there are just days when you feel like you've got lead in your shoes! Strange indeed, but true! I always attribute those days to a full moon!
Congratulations on your running!

Betty