Fueling Tips for Long Runs: What to Eat and Drink

TLDRWhen running, it's important to fuel your body with carbohydrates to maintain energy levels. As you run, your muscles can only store a limited amount of glycogen, and once that's depleted, your performance will suffer. To avoid this, it's recommended to start topping up your carbohydrate levels after around 90 minutes of running. There are several options for fueling, such as bananas, energy bars, homemade fuel, gels, energy blocks, carbohydrate drinks, and fizzy/sugary drinks. Each option has its pros and cons, so it's important to find what works best for you.

Key insights

💡Fueling with carbohydrates is essential for maintaining energy levels during long runs.

💪Muscles can store a certain amount of glycogen, which gets depleted during extended periods of running.

🍌Bananas are a cheap, natural, and readily available fuel option.

🍫Energy bars offer a variety of flavors and consistencies, making them a convenient choice for fueling.

🥤Carbohydrate drinks provide a quick and easy way to replenish energy and hydration.

Q&A

When should I start fueling during a long run?

It's recommended to start topping up your carbohydrate levels after around 90 minutes of running.

What are some natural fuel options?

Bananas are a cheap and readily available option for natural fueling.

What are the benefits of energy bars?

Energy bars come in a variety of flavors and consistencies, making them a convenient choice for fueling during runs.

Are carbohydrate drinks effective for fueling?

Carbohydrate drinks provide a quick and easy way to replenish energy and hydration during long runs.

Can fizzy/sugary drinks be used for fueling?

Fizzy/sugary drinks can be used for fueling, but they should be consumed in moderation due to the gas content and potential stomach issues.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The further you run, the more energy you'll require. Muscles can only store a certain amount of glycogen, which gets depleted during extended periods of running.

01:16Carbohydrate levels need to be topped up after around 90 minutes of running.

02:11Bananas are a cheap, natural, and readily available option for fueling.

02:52Energy bars come in a variety of flavors and consistencies, making them a convenient choice for fueling during runs.

05:26Carbohydrate drinks provide a quick and easy way to replenish energy and hydration.