The Runner’s Diet: Eggs

Are they good for you? Are they bad for you? We seem to keep going back and forth. Now they’re “one of the best foods for runners.” Check out this Runner’s World article, Sunny Side Up,  to find out how eggs can help you lose weight or recover from a hard workout.

I’m not usually one to jump on the latest food fad train, but I have been eating eggs after my weekday runs for a couple of months. I hard boil a few at the beginning of the week and they’re ready to curb my hunger long enough to get in a good stretch after a morning run.

I started eating eggs post-run to get more protein in my diet. And I read somewhere that for optimal recovery, you should have a snack consisting of 3/4 carbs and 1/4 protein within 10 minutes of finishing a workout. Gatorade and an egg became my post-run snack. Ten people will give you ten different refueling guidelines, but this one worked with my general need for more protein.

My preferred method of hard boiling eggs:

• Place eggs in a pot of cool water and bring to a boil.
• Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 to 12 minutes.
• Eggs are ready when they can be spun on the counter without wobbling.
• Cool slightly in a bowl of cold water before peeling.
• I find eggs peel most easily while still hot and wet.

Read my other post on the Runner’s Diet for more information.

The Runner’s Diet

Now that I’m running more, how many calories should I consume?  What should I eat before a hard workout?  A long run?  A race?  How do I refuel during a workout or race?  What can I eat to speed recovery?  What is the best hydration strategy?  Hoping to drop a few pounds?

If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, check out this Nutrition Guide put together by Runner’s World.  I have read many articles on the above questions (mostly on Runner’s World), but this guide puts it all in one easy-to-read quick reference.  They make you enter your email to send you the download link (an obvious ploy to get you on their mailing list), but it’s worth it – being on the mailing list is how I found the guide!

If you still have unanswered questions after reading this guide, you’re probably over thinking things (which the guide already borders on) or you just need to see a nutritionist.

Why do We Run Marathons?

Perhaps the first question should be: why does anyone run a single marathon, let alone multiple ones?  The popularity of marathon running has grown exponentially in recent years and with it, I am sure, the reasons for showing up at the starting line:

• Weight loss
• Testing personal limits
• Challenging yourself to do something new
• Next logical progression after the half marathon
• Friends are doing it
• To be able to say you did it
• Prove to yourself that you can do it

I believe the last two are the reasons I signed up for the 2006 Vermont City Marathon.  I had just finished a personally successful season of cross-country in my final semester at college and thought, “I’m in the best shape I will ever be in – I might as well do this now.”  Blame it on the naivety of a 23-year-old