Running on empty – how to stay energised during training

Running the London Marathon 2020 to raise money for the National Autistic Society: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CGater 

All donations very welcome!!

This weekend I visited the National Running Show at the NEC in Birmingham for the first time. It is amazing how much kit you can buy for an activity that basically involves strapping on some trainers and stepping out of your front door. The range of shoes, gels, tablets, lights, clothes, water packs, apps, hydration aids etc etc is dizzying. There were even several show booths proudly displaying specialised running underwear (although don’t get me started on the price of that!) Sadly, it appears motorised trainers are not yet a thing, although I guess the controversial Vaporflys come close …

Moving past the commodification, what was great about the event was to hear from speakers who had been inspired to run for charities, had overcome injuries or difficult times in their lives through a hobby that seems to be thriving across the country. You only have edge your way through the crowd at a Parkrun on a Saturday morning to realise how popular these free 5K events are, and every town-based 10K or 20K race seems to sell out in a matter of weeks.

Personally, I was on the look out for some ideas on nutrition as an aspiring #TeamAutism runner for this year’s London Marathon, now just 3 months away. The Marathon Facebook groups I follow are actually full of these questions at the moment. What to eat before the race, during it, how often, how much and how to stay hydrated? Some swear by porridge, some bananas, or just a good slap up pasta binge the day before (this part, I’m fully on board with). Energy gels can definitely upset some people’s digestion – I’ve tried one or two types and to me they taste unpleasantly like vegetable oil. The key advice is to practice your race day breakfast and running snacks beforehand and find what works for you – no one wants a case of ‘runners tummy’ on the day as Runners World politely describes it.

So as I get ready for Week 5 of training, and pack the hydration salts, Haribos and energy snacks into my pockets, I shall be hoping to run for the horizon… not the loos!