The classic dilemma for me with Daylight Savings is this: When to eat dinner. See, I'm an evening runner by disposition, but because I grow faint in the sun, I prefer to run at dusk. In the winter, dusk is around 5 pm. Perfect timing: I can go out, get my run in, and be back for a normal dinner hour. But once Daylight Savings begins and the days get naturally longer, dusk doesn't fall until about 7:30 pm. Do you see my problem?
It's either eat at, like, 4:30 pm and allow a few hours to digest before heading out, or it's eating dinner at 9 pm. Neither is a very desirable dinner hour.
So, this evening we chose the early-bird dinner, but clearly I ate too much and didn't allow enough time for digestion because by the time I went out for my run, I suffered. I planned on doing 5 miles, but within the first mile, my tummy was upset and I had heartburn like I haven't had in a long time.
Around mile 3, I made the executive decision to turn home early and cut the run down to 4 miles instead of 5, and even with that decision, I had to walk for a bit in mile 4 to allow the tummy to settle some. Here are the dirty digits:
1: 9:36
2: 9:43
3: 9:47 (feeling kinda pukey at this point)
4: 12:11
Total Time: 41:18
So, I suppose I have one of two options before me: eat a much smaller meal for early dinner or go with the late dinner. Running in the morning during the week just isn't an option.
18 comments:
That is a quandary. I personally taught myself to run no matter when I ate. It helped with the marathons :-)
I'd say do two small meals rather than one big one. Eat something small at 4:30, then top off the tank after your run.
I always have to do that on Thursdays due to scheduling. I'm starving at the end of my office hours, but only have an hour between them and biking with TNT. Splitting it up works wonders for me, give it a shot.
I agree with tri+umph on this one.
I noticed the option to run in the sun wasn't listed...
I would go with the smaller earlier meal and then a second snack or helping after the run. I couldn't run on an empty stomach and wait until 9pm to eat dinner. That would be more torture than running in the heat and humidity.
I'd split the meals. Though I think the fact that it already feels like summer in early April is cruel.
I think the smaller meal before the run is a better idea than having to eat so late in the evening. Then, if you do need a little snack to tide you over you can have something after the run.
I have the same situation. I usually end up eating when I get back and there is just no win with it. I think eating light a few hours before and then after might be the best.
You could try eating European style; eating your main meal at lunch time with something light in the evening?
Though I admit, its not the most 'sociable' option.
I hear IHOP has great deals at 4:30pm. My grandparents and their friends ate there all the time.
Awwwhhhh come on! Morning runs are the best! :P
I am the same way. I am up for work at 5 and out of the house by 5:45, so running in the morning is not an option.
During the summer I usually head out betwen 7-7:30 for a run. On the days during the week that I run I make sure I have something fast planned for dinner, making sure I am done eating by 5:45. This usually gives me enough time to digest, although some days I do over eat. What also helps, is that I plan dinners that I know won't make me feel sick when running or I plan lighter meals on those days.
I wish I was a morning runner, but I'm not.. Only for races and one long run a week. Otherwise... ugh.
I can, however, eat right before running, so that helps the timing.
For me, simple carbs work the best -- the healthy stuff doesn't feel so good when running.
M
Dinner at 4:30? That's good preparation to join the Cracker Barrel/mall walker blue hairs.
:-p
I gotta agree with tri+umph (the insult comic dog), and see if you can split the meals. Eating at 9 pm will do very little positive for you for swimsuit season, if you catch my drift. A full meal that late is more likely to be stored than burned off.
I think the eating two small meals before and after is probably your best bet.
The early bird dinner reminded me of a Sinfield episode.
I hope you find a good solution. I like the splitting up of the meals idea as well.
I was thinking the same thing last night. I went out for a run about 20 min after eating a homemade burger, and it didn't digest... so I had tummy issues too. I enjoy running around 7:30/8pm. It's just so nice... so I'm gonna have to look at my options too.
I have this same issue. I get home about 545 and have been trying to just get out of there by 6 or 615 and home by 7 to eat. But I like those near dusk runs.
I'm in the same boat. I usually have a large snack/small meal at 4pm-ish and then eat a light dinner after the run.
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