Running is both a mental and physical hurdle to overcome. Regardless of the shape you may be in or the distance you’re running, you’re constantly thirsting for water and daydreaming of what you’re going to eat after you finish.
While training for a half marathon, the time consumed by training is essentially proportional to the food consumed. Cravings tend to come fast and furious. With the amount of calories runner’s burn, cravings cover the entire food pyramid.
Stage 1: You need water ASAP
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There is a constant thirst for water and the tendency to base your running route on where you will pass water fountains because who can actually run with a water bottle in hand?
Stage 2: You daydream about the food possibilities
Photo by Meredith Kress
What should I make when I get back from my run? Do I have food to make tacos? How do people commit to vegetarianism? Or veganism? That’s just nuts, I could never do that.
Stage 3: You are in a state of denial
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You walk in the door after your run and think, “I’m not that hungry actually… I could and should have a salad for every meal here on out.”
Stage 4: You quickly face reality
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20 minutes after stretching you think, “Oh my god, have I not eaten in a month? I’m starving.”
Stage 5: You are baffled by your options
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Why is there nothing to eat (while looking at a full fridge)? I want a five course meal right now.
Stage 6: You’re on the road to recovery
Photo by Rachel Piorko
You recover from your starving rage and realize there is food to make. You make the first course of your post-run meal, egg and cheese sandwich and a protein-packed smoothie.
Stage 7: You turn to more protein
Photo by Maggie Gorman
5 minutes later, you’re still hungry. You eat a big spoonful of peanut butter or maybe something new like cashew butter.
Stage 8: You face salty cravings
Photo by Amanda Shulman
One hour later, you gotta have something salty. Hit up the chips and guacamole
Stage 9: You carbo-load like it’s no one’s business
Photo by Meredith Kress
Dinner time means time to carbo-load. You make a box of mac and cheese planning for leftovers and end up eating for a family of four instead. But thankfully you can avoid overeating like this.
Stage 10: Your sweet tooth takes control
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9 pm rolls around and you can’t accept the fact that there is nothing sweet in the house.
Stage 11: You’re unsatisfied
Photo by Meredith Kress
The cravings don’t stop. You think, “I want donuts… And bagels.” Simply put, you just need more.
Stage 12: You and your roomie have synced cravings
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You turn to your roommate, also suffering through the cravings. The consensus: “Maybe we should order a pizza.”
Stage 13: You go to bed hungry
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The later you stay up, the more hungry you will become.