If you saw what I eat before a run, you might be a little surprised.
Because my pre-run fuel looks like this:
Gummy bears
Licorice
Jellybeans
And yes… Peeps.... And YES, Easter is my favorite holiday
It might not look like the typical endurance athlete nutrition plan, but there’s actually a reason behind it.
When you train for endurance sports, your body relies heavily on carbohydrates to fuel long workouts. Those carbohydrates get broken down into glucose, which your muscles use for energy.
For many athletes — especially during longer workouts — simple carbohydrates can work very well because they digest quickly and provide fast energy.
Over the years I’ve learned that this type of quick fuel often works well for my body before certain workouts.
Living and training without a thyroid means my body sometimes responds differently to food, energy demands, and recovery.
Some heavier meals before running can make me feel sluggish.
But small amounts of simple sugars can give me just enough energy to head out the door and start moving.
Of course, that doesn’t mean my entire diet is candy.
Most of my meals focus on balanced nutrition that supports recovery, muscle health, and overall energy.
But before a run or workout — especially after teaching multiple fitness classes — sometimes the simplest fuel works best.
One of the biggest lessons endurance sports have taught me is this:
Your body is constantly giving you feedback.
What works for one athlete may not work for another.
Some runners love gels.
Some prefer bananas.
Some rely on sports drinks.
And, for me, Peeps, gummy bears or jellybeans do the trick.
Training without a thyroid has taught me to listen closely to how my body responds to food, movement, and recovery.
And the more you learn to listen, the better you can adapt your fueling to support your goals.
Endurance training isn’t about finding a perfect formula that works for everyone.
It’s about learning what works for you.
Because every mile teaches you something new.
And every run — fueled by whatever works best for your body — is another step forward.
I have to say almost the night before the big race, I always have a bag of licorice, bagels, pasta and or rice. Lots of carbs!
And remember:
A small step still takes you forward.
— Danniela
IronSunshine ☀️
#NoThyroidAthlete
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