Building Muscles?

Question

Okay, so Im a horseback rider and I need to build my leg mucles up. For the past couple weeks I have been running at night around 8:30-9:30. Just recently I have started running in the morning between 8-9. the first couple times I didnt eat breakfast before I went and i didnt get a lot of cramps. But some people have said that its better to run after you have something to eat. I have done this for the past 3 days, and every morning I now get big cramps near the end of my run. Today I even got a prity big cramp at the start of my run, and was in pain the whole time.

My question is when I go running in the morning, should I eat breakfast before i go or when I come back? If its after my run, how long should I wait before eating? Also how much water should I drink before I go? I cant drink to much because then it just moves around in my stomach and makes me have cramps. How long should I wait after I drink? I dont want to wait to long cus then my mouth gets dry half way through running?

Answer 1

Ok. I had this same problem. Its kinda funny. I had never done Cross Country and at my first race I ate a Jack in the Box egg sandwich.NOT GOOD. You do need to eat breakfast but try to stay away from dairy products. You can experiment w/ different things but what works for me is a protein bar. I eat one about half an hour before I run. The night before I run I drink water like there is no tomorrow. You need to be fully hydrated the night before. Also your body runs on the nutrition that you get from the night before's  meal. Pastas are a smart choice. I hope this helps!!

Answer 2

eat something small, like a banana, before you run, and a full breakfast after you run. also, drink a lot of water the night before you run. Its the water thats already in your system that keeps you going, not the water you drink right before the workout.

Answer 3

Try just eating a small energy rich meal before running, like a fruit or energy bar. Then give it about 10min to settle.

As for water, dont drink a large amount before running, rather carry a water bottle with you or wear a CamelBak and take small sips as you run.