Running requires a lot of energy, but knowing what and when to eat can be confusing for newer runners. A balanced diet with adequate carbohydrates will keep runners fueled and satisfied.
Every diet is individual. No one diet works for everyone, and there is no specific diet that works for every runner.
If someone is starting a running plan, they may want to make some tweaks to their existing diet. They can
A person’s caloric needs will vary depending on their weight, height, and energy expenditure. Runners should be aware that they will need to increase their calories to recover and perform properly when they increase their mileage.
Read more to learn what runners should eat, how they should time their pre-run and post-run meals, and more.
A runner’s diet plan typically includes a balance of the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
By focusing on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, people will typically consume enough micronutrients. These include vitamins and minerals that help the body function and recover from workouts.
Macronutrients
Diet is individual, and different macronutrient ratios may work better for some people than others. According to the
- 45–65% carbohydrates
- 10–35% protein
- 20–35% fat
Runners should also make sure they are eating enough calories to sustain their training program. A person’s caloric needs depend on several factors,
- resting metabolic rate
- daily activity
- specific training needs
- body composition
- running conditions
Generally, the more mileage a person is running, the more calories they will need.
Learn more about how to determine daily caloric needs.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals, and the body uses them in many crucial life-sustaining biological processes. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables will usually provide a person with a healthy level of micronutrients.
They may be particularly important for athletes.
Doing a lot of training can put the body in an inflammatory, sometimes immunocompromised, state. This makes it easier to get sick and feel run down. A 2000 article points out that in addition to eating enough calories, consuming adequate micronutrients
While most people can get their micronutrients from food, some people with restricted diets may be lacking.
Research from 2019 suggested that people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets
Eating enough protein, carbohydrates, and fats will keep runners fueled and healthy. While individual needs will vary, many runners can follow some basic guidelines when planning their diet.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a
A 2008 study of elite runners showed that most participants consumed
While most amateur runners are not running the 100 miles or more per week that elites do, they should still focus on eating enough carbs. Eating too few can cause sluggish runs, poor recovery, injury, and overtraining.
Nutritious sources of carbohydrates contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Some popular carbohydrate sources among runners
Read more about nutritious, carbohydrate-rich foods to try.
Some runners limit their fiber intake at certain times to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort. This could mean eating a low-fiber meal before a workout, long run, or race. However, the amount and types of carbohydrates an individual’s gut can tolerate varies from person to person, so runners may want to experiment with which pre-run foods work best for them.
Protein
Protein builds and repairs bones, tissues, and hardworking muscles. This means eating enough protein is essential for muscle recovery after workouts.
One small
It might be helpful to prioritize consuming a protein-rich snack or meal after a run.
Healthy protein sources include:
Fats
Fats are an essential part of a balanced diet and are particularly important for nerve function.
A
Healthy sources of monounsaturated fats include:
Healthy sources of polyunsaturated fats include:
Many runners find it challenging to consume the right nutrition before workouts. They need to strike a balance between eating enough calories while not eating foods that can upset their stomach.
Runners should aim to eat an easily digested meal or snack before a run. If they are going for a longer run, they may want to consume more carbohydrates to ensure they have the energy to complete the workout.
They should also prioritize eating a carbohydrate- and protein-rich snack or meal after running.
Before running
Runners should consume a small meal containing little amounts of fat and fiber before running. They should aim to have a moderate amount of protein and a high amount of carbohydrates.
Several hours before a workout, a person should consume 1–4 grams (g) of carbs per kilogram of body mass. An hour before running, they may want to top up their energy stores with a small carbohydrate-rich snack, like a banana.
While running
Runners do not need to worry about consuming food during most runs. However, long efforts like marathon training runs require people to take in nutrition while they are running.
If someone is running for 1 to 2.5 hours, they should aim to consume 30–60 g of carbs per hour.
After running
The meal a person consumes after a run is important for muscle recovery. What they should eat depends on how long they were running for and how intense their run was.
They should ensure their meal contains protein to promote muscle repair and carbohydrates to replace depleted glycogen stores. Additionally, they should drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Whether a person is training for a 5K or a marathon, starting a new running plan can require dietary changes.
Anyone who feels they could benefit from a greater understanding of how their diet is impacting their training may want to get in touch with a registered dietitian. They can help a person plan their diet to support running performance and help runners deal with any issues they may have.
A runner’s diet varies from person to person, but it should incorporate a balance of macronutrients, adequate carbs, and micronutrients from plant foods.
Carbohydrates are the
If a person wants to improve their diet to boost their running performance, they may wish to contact a registered dietitian.
