Recently I posted about running in a fasted state, where you don’t consume any calories before going out for a run.
How often do you do a fasted run?Q from a client’s check-in form → “Is it okay to do most if not all my runs fasted?” Answer → Yes, for most runs that are not hard or long, such as an easy 3-6 miles, you’re a-ok to do them without breakfast. It may even be slightly beneficial pic.twitter.com/VqQgsOhshX
— Kyle Kranz, Online Running Coach (@kyle_j_kranz) June 18, 2019
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And while you generally are ok running without any breakfast, for workouts or (as I didn’t mention but someone brought up) in special cases it’s important to consume food, such as if you must handle hypoglycemia.
According to the Mayo Clinic…
I had a runner reply back with some info on how they manage and I thought it would be an interesting piece of info for you to check out! I always find it fascinating to learn how others, in other situations, must manage the ‘obstacles’ in their life.
I’ve got some more nice resources below. If you’re considering you may have hypoglycemia, it’s best to talk to a healthcare professional such as a dietitian, but you’ll see some info below of interest as well.
Fueling Strategies for Hypoglycemic and Diabetic Marathoners | Jenny Hadfield | “Lean towards a plant-based diet. You don’t have to go 100% vegan to reap the many benefits of eating plant-based foods.”
Running with Hypoglycemia | Run Smart Project | “Today, I’d like to share my secret breakfast concoction with any runner who deals with hypoglycemia.”
Hypoglycemia: How low can you go? | WebMD | “Other signs of hypoglycemia include dizziness, shakiness, difficulty paying attention, hunger, headaches, clumsy or jerky movements, and sudden moodiness like crying, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).”
How I refill my body as a hypoglycemic runner | Liz Xing | “The brain needs sugar to function at its maximal capacity, and brain fog is one of the first symptoms of benign hypoglycemia. However, the muscles also need sugars (aka fuel) to repair all the little fibers that were torn in the workout, and possibly a lot more to store as glycogen, especially if you run long distances.“