Nutrition was a hot topic on this morning’s run with Dave. Although neither of us possess much knowledge on the subject of biology, chemistry or nutrition (I think the debate is still open on whether or not nutrition is an actual science), we both whole-heartedly agree on one thing — our diet greatly affects our running and workouts. I have had a couple of long runs lately that I have struggled on (see Atlanta Marathon Training Update) and I know that my total loss of self-control gross gluttoness behavior poor eating decisions on the days leading up to the run played a major role. The most memorable was the Run the Reagan Half Marathon a few weeks back. I didn’t think they would actually have the race due to the snowy and icy conditions in Atlanta, so I opted to go for the “Killer Dog” (a footlong hotdog covered with fries, chili and cheese – ummm) for dinner at the Lenox Square Grill. No, there were no “issues” (I know what some of you guys are thinking) during the race, but I just didn’t feel right from the start. I finished, but it was slow and painful.
I came across a quick, easy read that Christine Luff posted on her About.Com blog regarding nutrition that I thought I would share. She actually has several posts regarding nutrition, but this one is a good entry-level post and I agree with her straight-forward approach. In general, make sure you are eating healthy carbs, good lean protein and avoiding the unhealthy fats. The old-fashioned KISS method – Keep It Simple Stupid.
While you are at it, check out Christine’s other post titled 5 Common Sports Nutrition Mistakes and How to Solve Them.
Much more to come on nutrition later. There is a TON of good info out there regarding running and nutrition.
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There is a pretty good book called “Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes” by Monique Ryan. Some good points that it discusses are Glycemic Index, Timing of Meals, Hydration, Vitamins and it breaks down nutrition by sport.
The older I get the cleaner my diet. Less spicy, fried, or fatty. I avoid nasty burp foods or anything you don’t want coming back up in the middle of a run.
Three hours prior to running, I eat a bagel. An hour prior I eat of fruits or yogurt.
Thank you for this discussion – the Luff link & book referal. Although science suggests that skinny rats live longer, loss of appetite isn’t such a great step into my senior moments. Passed up the grocery sale bin of energy bars – haven’t depleted the larder of past expiration dates on the ones squirreled away in pantry. There’s the same 24 hours in each new day, with focus & determination, 4 square meals, now & tomorrow. Thought 3 burps into my jog just meant it was time for a fartlik. Heck, where’s Spell Check?