Nutrition
Free to everyone

Nutrition for runners.

Good nutrition is vital to support your training. Without giving your body everything it needs, it can't perform, recover or progress. It will help to:

Sian Secc
Written by Sian Secc

MSc Sports Nutritionist, @siansecc

  • Support muscle repair & growth
  • Improve recovery between runs & sessions
  • Help prevent fatigue & injuries
  • Optimise performance & strength adaptations
The Runfix plate: a circle divided into carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, protein and healthy fats, with the foods in each
The basics of healthy eating
  • Carbohydrates: bread, pasta, rice, potato
  • Protein: meat, fish, tofu, eggs, legumes
  • Fibre: fruit, veg & whole grains
  • Fat: oils, nuts, avo, dairy, dressing
  • CarbsEnergy, performance, endurance
  • Fruits & vegVitamins, minerals, antioxidants
  • ProteinBuild, repair, recover
  • Healthy fatsHormone health, joint support, sustained energy
Bananas, a cereal bar and muffins
Pre-gym

Skip the protein

A pre-gym snack should give you quick energy to fuel your workout. Focus on carbohydrates, your body's main energy source. Avoid protein, as it slows digestion & doesn't provide the fast energy you need.

Aim for a light, easy-to-digest snack 30 to 60 minutes before training, such as a banana, Squares bar, dried fruit, or a crumpet with jam.

Peanut butter on toast with banana, a cereal bar and a chocolate milk
Post-gym

Carbs + protein

After your workout, focus on replenishing energy and supporting muscle repair with both carbohydrates & protein in roughly a 3:1 ratio.

If you can, eat a balanced meal within an hour. Otherwise, grab a snack like a protein shake and banana, peanut butter on wholegrain toast, Greek yoghurt with granola, or cheese & crackers.

Remember, carbs are just as important as protein for recovery. If you prefer to drink your snack, try chocolate milk or add a banana to your protein shake.

Protein, guidance for active individuals1.2 to 2.0 gper kg body weight per day

A note on protein

Protein forms the building blocks of our body. It's used for the growth & repair that supports our muscles and training. However it's not the only important thing in our diet.

For runners, carbohydrate is just as important & is the major source of energy to fuel our training. You don't have to track & hit a protein goal. By ensuring you have a source of protein in all meals & snacks, you will be giving your body what it needs.

Sian's

Top tips

  • Plan ahead. On busy days have the food you need in the fridge or accessible. Plan what you will have before and after your session.
  • Stick to the basics when building meals: pick a carb, then a protein & then build in the fibre & fat.
  • Always carry your water bottle! Hydration is also important for recovery.
  • Don't over think it. Small steps & intentions add up.
Across a day

What this could look like

  1. Pre-gym snack
  2. Post-gym breakfast
  3. Lunch
  4. Afternoon snack
  5. Dinner
  6. Post-dinner
Watch for

Common mistakes

  • Skipping recovery meals
  • Under-eating on gym & run days
  • Ignoring hydration
  • Avoiding carbs when strength training
The strength plans

Nothing here replaces seeing a clinician. If you are in pain, in doubt, or something has changed suddenly, book in and speak to Tash.