{"id":14228,"date":"2022-10-03T14:22:56","date_gmt":"2022-10-03T19:22:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/?p=14228"},"modified":"2023-04-26T09:35:39","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T14:35:39","slug":"trail-running-nutrition-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/trail-running-nutrition-the-basics\/","title":{"rendered":"Trail running nutrition: what to eat before, during and after your run"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":14229,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[65,165,164],"tags":[304],"class_list":["post-14228","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-outdoor-activities","category-trail-running","category-running","tag-pamela-boucher-2"],"acf":{"post_flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"If you are getting serious about trail running, you are probably looking for ways to significantly improve your performance. But did you know that the key to success is linked to nutrition? Pam\u00e9la Boucher, kinesiologist and trail running expert, goes through what you should eat before, during and after your run, as well as some good snacking and hydration habits to adopt.\r\n\r\nArticle written in collaboration with Pam\u00e9la Boucher, kinesiologist<\/em><\/strong>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_anchors_list","anchors_section_title":"In this article, you will learn more about the ideal diet for runners, including: "},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"

[stag_button url=\" https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/running\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Running[\/stag_button]\r\n[stag_button url=\" https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/running\/hydration-energy\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Hydration and energy[\/stag_button]\r\n[stag_button url=\" https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/camping\/camp-kitchen\/food\/snacks\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Snacks[\/stag_button]<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"What to eat before your trail run","text_content":"

What to eat before your trail run<\/h2>\r\nTrail running requires a sustained and rigorous effort over uneven terrain. That\u2019s why it is necessary to fill up on complex carbs the day before a run, whether you\u2019re planning a demanding training session or taking part in a competitive race.\r\n\r\nYou can find complex carbs in rice, potatoes, pasta, and quinoa as well. The amount required will vary depending on your height, your weight and your planned route. The more demanding your run is (both in terms of intensity and distance), the more carbs you\u2019ll need.\r\n\r\nIdeally, you should eat at least four hours before going to bed, so you don\u2019t overload your stomach during the night.\r\n\r\nIn the morning, before your run, opt for proteins and carbs. Again, the amount required will vary based on your height and weight. For example, you could eat an omelet and a piece of fresh fruit with a small portion of potatoes, or a slice of bread.\r\n\r\nMake sure you eat at least two hours before running. Some people may need more time to digest properly, so follow your own body\u2019s rhythm.\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to hydration, it\u2019s important to drink water the day before your run, as well as at least two hours before you start running in the morning.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to trail running and would like some more tips on how to get started<\/a>, follow Pam\u00e9la Boucher\u2019s recommendations here."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"What to eat during your trail run","text_content":"

What to eat during your trail run<\/h2>\r\nAccording to several studies, our bodies burn around 600 calories for each hour of average-speed running. Of course, this data should be taken with a grain of salt as it will vary based on your level of fitness, your physical characteristics (height, weight, age, gender, etc.) as well as the intensity of your route.\r\n\r\nAs trail running requires a lot of effort, it is important to keep eating throughout your outing in order to maintain your energy levels, especially when on a long run (one hour or more). This could help you avoid cramps as well. To do so, make sure you include minerals in your diet the day before, as well as on the morning of your run.\r\n\r\nTo achieve this, Pam\u00e9la Boucher makes her own snacks, which she tries to keep as healthy and nutrient-rich as possible. For example, she recommends making energy balls and homemade granola bars with dark chocolate, bananas, nuts and cereals. In addition to being delicious, these will help you get your strength back quickly should your energy levels drop.\r\n\r\nOtherwise, there are some great brands offering delicious natural snacks (cereal bars or fruit bars, waffles, snack bites) specially made for runners, such as GU<\/a>, KIND<\/a>, Krono<\/a>, Naak<\/a> or Xact<\/a>.\r\n\r\nTo avoid feeling sluggish, it\u2019s very important to remember to hydrate. Keep in mind that you should drink on average two liters of water per day, and add at least one liter every time you run for over 30 minutes."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"What to eat after your trail run","text_content":"

What to eat after your trail run<\/h2>\r\nMany runners neglect their post-run diet. In fact, it\u2019s probably one of the most important ways to recover, rehydrate and repair the microtears in your muscles after your run. In short, getting your post-run nutrition right is key in order to avoid sore muscles and injuries.\r\n\r\nSome people may not feel like eating or drinking after a hard effort. However, for optimal recovery, it is best not to wait more than 30 minutes after a run before you eat.\r\n\r\nIt is important to opt for snacks or a meal rich in proteins and complex carbs. Smoothies can also be a great idea as they combine fruits and vegetables with milk or yogurt (and you could add a touch of maple syrup too, for example), all of which are good sources of proteins and complex carbs."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Examples of eating plans for runners","text_content":"

Examples of eating plans for runners<\/h2>\r\nDinner the day before: Vegetable pasta with chicken.\r\nPre-run breakfast: Vegetable omelet with a slice of bread and a banana.\r\nPost-run lunch: Meat sandwich (or other source of plant-based protein), cheese and crudit\u00e9s.\r\n\r\nAnd if you\u2019re wondering about the benefits of trail running, read our article on the topic<\/a>."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"A few trail running nutrition tips","text_content":"

A few trail running nutrition tips<\/h2>\r\n