Square Runners: The Pre-Run Snack

By John Pilecki

Back in November, Square Runners recommended cold weather running gear for winter running. Winter officially begins next week, and the Square Runners have had the opportunity to field test their protective wear during several weekend and early morning runs. 

A proper pre-run snack is just as important for the winter runner. Square Runners share their preferences.

Mala Shah: “I usually eat a banana and I’m good to go!”

Traci Provins:  “I second the banana, or some sort of breakfast bar. As long as I drink some Gatorade as well, I’m good. If it’s a long run in the cold, I eat a Marathon Bar or something packed with energy/carbs/protein. That’s about all I can get down before a winter morning run.”

Deirdre Amos: “I try to eat something with only 100-200 calories before running. I try to stay away from diary and anything really greasy. Even small amounts of these things could turn your stomach on a run. My favorite snack before a morning run: a handful of peanut butter-filled pretzel nuggets from Trader Joes!”

Jaye Greenfield: “Before a race, a bowl of oatmeal with bananas and nuts.  For an ordinary run, something small, like a piece of fruit or a mini bagel.”

Sara Miller: “Cold cereal or a banana.” 

Edward May: “For a morning run, cold cereal and OJ. For a morning run, when I can barely get out the door, I don’t usually eat.”

Suzanne Atkinson: “A banana to top off glycogen and settle my stomach, and water to rehydrate from the night for a morning run.”

Jennifer Currie: “Two hours before a long run, it’s a bagel with peanut butter, a banana and coffee and water.”

Deanne Buffalari Tennant: At least two hours before heading out, I usually do a banana. If it’s a longer run, a piece of toast with peanut butter and some water.”

Now that you know how to keep yourself warm and nourished, join the Square Runners on their runs throughout the winter months. The pattern has been to meet in front of the Square Café on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 6 a.m., Thuesday evenings at 7 p.m., and on Sunday mornings in Frick Park.  It is best to check the Facebook Square Run Club Group page the night before or the morning of a run for confirmation and details. 

New Square Runner Sara Erbeldinger has discovered an interesting benefit of maintaining a running schedule during the winter months.

“I have to say I really hate running in cold winter, but the nice thing about having a group like Square Runners is that they hold me accountable.  It is really nice to have people to talk to, and I really don’t notice the cold. However, the real reason I have learned to like it is that I keep hoping for frostbite on my behind area. It will remove the part I cannot seem to get rid of no matter how many miles I run. I figure insurance will cover frostbite of the behind. I will learn to love running in the cold as well as getting rid of the need to do squats. It’s a win-win situation.”

As they say, whatever works. Hope to see you out there.