How To Fuel Your Marathon Training

Marathon season is well and truly upon us and as those miles start adding up, your nutrition will start playing a crucial role in your training. What works for one person might not work for the next, but here’s some tasty ideas that will help to fuel you before, after and even during your next run…

Pre-Run Snacks

Whether you’re after a leisurely breakfast or only have a couple of minutes to spare, these pre-run snacks and meals all contain a winning combination of slow-releasing carbohydrates and healthy, satiating fats:

• Protein oats with nut butter - try these Cinnamon Swirl Oats
• A protein shake boosted with nut butter or avocado, like our Sweet Like Chocolate Shake
• Greek yogurt mixed with Whey Protein and berries 
• Carrot sticks and hummus
• Dark chocolate corn cakes with peanut butter

Mid-Run Snacks

Feeling your energy dip half-way through your run? The answer might be in your fuel levels. Try having something easy to eat, that you can keep in your pocket, to give you the boost you need.

• Fruit puree / squeezable baby food fruit packets
• Soft medjool dates
• Homemade protein balls: need something a little bit more substantial on a long run? Try taking a long a couple of your favourite protein balls, such as our Gingerbread or Pic's PB and Coffee balls. 
• Pic's or Pip and Nut almond butter sachets
• Energy gels: they might not work for everyone, but if you find they give you the boost you need without any tummy troubles, then go for it. Remember, everyone’s different!

Post-Run Snacks

After using up all that energy pounding on the pavement, carbs and protein are definitely the answer to recovering well! Your muscles need feeding, and these meals and snacks are all great options for replenishing your energy levels.

• Protein pancakes: we're all about whipping up a fail-proof stack of protein pancakes using our Brand New Protein Pancake Mix - because when you've just ran 16 miles, quick, easy and tasty nutrition is always the answer.
• Protein oats: these double chocolate oats always satisfy our sweet tooth and our bellies after a big workout.
• Chicken and mushroom risotto, or our Butternut Vegan Risotto Recipe
• Coconut water: it's full of electrolytes and is great for getting hydration back on track
• Chocolate milk: the runner's favourite treat!
• Poached egg and avocado bagel
• Your favourite takeaway or homemade pizza and sweet potato fries: because sometimes you’ve just got to live a little!