The importance of proper fueling in running.

I've been there.

Running mile after mile, lifting weight after weight, for the sole(no pun intended) purpose of burning more calories. I won't bore you with the statistics of disordered running and eating, you can find an article that's covered that here. 

Do you fuel properly for your runs? Do run to eat? Are you running to lose weight? In order for us to not fall down the hideous rabbit hole of disordered running, we first have to understand why we must fuel to run.

 You'll feel better while running:

While training for my first marathon, I tried to limit myself to 1,200 calories a day. Crazy right?! I thought the skinnier I was, the faster I would be(so not true). Instead, I felt lethargic, trudging through miles with barely any energy, and my running altogether suffered. Now, training for my second marathon, I consume at least 280 calories or more during my long runs, depending on the distance. On my last 16 mile run, I PRed by fifteen minutes, AND I weigh ten pounds more than last time I ran 16 miles. The difference? More training, maybe...but I also fuel my body, something I used to neglect entirely. You must eat in order to grow as a runner. If your goals are faster times, running longer, or even just feeling stronger, nutrition plays a huge role. You can't run on an empty tank.

                                  GU gels & gummy bears are my long run fuel of choice!

2. You recover faster and are less likely to injure:

For days after my training runs my body would be so sore and heavy feeling. I could barely move after my long runs because I was starving my body of the nutrients it needed to recover. Now I always eat a post workout snack packed with protein so my muscles can recover better and faster. Since my body has more energy from fueling, it isn't working so hard to recover, leaving me less prone to getting sick or getting an injury. 

-Some of my favorite Healthy Runner Foods:

-Peanut butter(in moderation)
-Leafy greens
-Bananas
-Yogurt
-Nuts
-Whole grain carbs(bagels, pasta) 
-Oatmeal
-Eggs
-Sweet Potatoes 
-Green smoothies

                                                   I love sweet potatoes & zuchinni! 

Bottom line: fueling is important, on and off road. It's different for everyone, and it'll take time to find your healthy balance. 

Since I stopped obsessing over calorie counts and calories burned, I feel stronger, happier, and healthier. I used to restrict myself to rules(no eating after dinner, ect. ect) and I could feel my body suffering. Sure, I was skinnier, but I wasn't healthy. Now I eat healthy foods when I'm hungry, and don't get so caught up on calories. When my body needs rest, I rest. This is the only way I can become a better and stronger runner. 

Picture Creds: The Picture Lady Photography

Strong is the new beautiful, my fellow runners. If you feel you are suffering from disordered running or eating, do not hesitate to reach out! Create healthy habits, not restrictions. 

-xo aud <3

         The hubs built me this awesome medal rack for all my running goodies! *swoon*

The Horse Cap Marathon is just 25 days away! Are running a spring race?? Tell me in the comments!