Deciding what to eat before races or long training runs is tricky, especially when the run starts at dawn and you need to eat pretty much as soon as you wake up. Opting not to eat at all is NOT the solution- a proper breakfast before runs longer than about two hours is hugely beneficial. Not only does it provide you with some blood sugar -needed after a night of sleeping and fasting-, it also allows you to be properly fuelled and therefore get the most out of your race/ training run.
I, for one, personally struggled with finding the right breakfast to eat pre-run and after some trial and error, have narrowed it down to three, quick and easy go-to meals which I choose between depending on the situation. Everyone is different and so these meals might not work for you pre-run; BUT they’re delicious regardless and worth making for any ordinary breakfast.
Oat banana pancake
This is my staple breakfast before most races. Ideally it should be eaten around two hours before the start of the run to allow it to digest fully. I either make the mixture as I wake up or else the night before.
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Peanut butter, banana, cocoa smoothie
I make this when I need to eat within an hour or so of a run- so generally before most of my longer early morning training runs when I only need to be up an hour before the start.
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Healthy five ingredient banana bread
This is the perfect breakfast pre-run on weekends away (like camping trips) when there is limited access to cooking utensils, ingredients etc. It needs to be prepared before-hand (obviously) but it lasts the whole weekend and is an ideal, wholesome, delicious quick bite to eat before a long run.
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“I can hardly think when I wake up, how am I supposed to decide what to eat- especially before a run!”
Bianca Tarboton shares three quick, healthy and super easy breakfast recipes that are perfect for any active person.
Do you have a go to breakfast before you train or race?
“I love to fill myself with good food and even better running. Waking up every morning and knowing that I am fully able to do both is enough to get me through any day.”
You can do the same by trying Bianca Tarboton’s quick, simple and tasty breakfast recipes before your next run!