Fueling for Long Runs

It’s no secret that running long distances means you can eat more. I mean, according to my Garmin, I’m burning about 2,400 calories on a 20-mile run.

While I started running while I was losing weight, I didn’t start running to lose weight, if that makes any sense. I started running because it seemed like a fitness activity that I’d be able to stick with and that I could do outside. So I don’t run because I can burn an insane amount of calories–it’s just a fringe benefit.

In order to be able to run long distances and not feel like I’m going to die, I need to eat properly–especially the day before. I don’t want to have to stop an otherwise awesome run to find a bathroom immediately. I’ve had to do this way too many times, and I’d prefer to not make a habit of it.

So, I’ve found what works for me the day before I have a long run on my schedule. (And tomorrow I have 15 on the schedule.)

Bananas and sunflower butter on a bagel thin or whole wheat English muffin. Always. Oatmeal is too fibrous the day before a long run for me.

A whole wheat wrap with chicken, sundried tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella and honey mustard. With chips on the side. I accidentally discovered last year that having chips the day before a long run helps me because of all of the salt, so I have made a point to incorporate chips into my diet the day before a long run. You know, just to be safe.

For dinner, like any other good runner, I make sure to have lots and lots of pasta.

I have a feeling y’all will be divided on this one.

So, last year, I wouldn’t drink at all the night before a long run. It wasn’t worth the possibility of being even hungover in the slightest. (Although? Let’s be real. I can certainly handle 2-3 beers without being hungover.)

Then, the night before my first 15-miler, I was so nervous that I decided to order a glass of wine with dinner. I had said one glass of wine and was totally fine. For the rest of that training cycle, I’d occasionally have a drink the night before a long run, but I tried not to make a habit out of it.

This year, I’ve ended up having 1-2 beers before every long run, and–and I swear I’m not just saying this to justify my drinking before a long run–I think it helps! I’ve had some amazing long runs this year.

So…

What are your day-before-long-run food rituals? And team booze before long run or team oh hell no?