Eating before cardio?

Does anyone drink a shake or eat a bowl of cereal or anything along the lines of that before they work out? I regularly run in the morning right after i wake up and lack the energy and motivation to run at my full potential......keep in mind i am obligated to run at a set time every morning, if i could i would eat wait an hour and then run when im fully awake.

Any if you do eat something what do you eat? How does it make you feel?

I rarely eat anything before cardio...but if I do..it's a banana and a protein shake.  especially if I am sore from a fight or another workout.

I always eat before cardio. If I dont, I have NO energy. I would rather have a minor stomach ache for 5 minutes (which rarely occurs) and be able to run faster and farther.  I try to eat PLAIN things like cereal, energy bars, oatmeal, bananas, etc. (no like steamed veggies or anything hard on the tummy!)

Wait are you talking about immediately before or like 30 minutes before?...because eating immediately before IMO is not too good. 

I used to not eat before running, but I've read in a few places that people tend to not run as hard if they don't eat.  So... I've taken to waking up 20-30 minutes early and eating my usual bowl of cereal.  I don't eat much though... just 1 serving of cereal (30g) and 1/3 cup of almond/soy milk.  I haven't noticed any difference in my time or how hard the run is.

I'm not an expert but through research and my own personal trial and error I've discovered what works for me.  I can't actually "eat" right before I run, but about a half hour before I go I have a glass of real fruit juice.  I get the energy from the juice but I don't get sluggish from my body trying to digest solid food.  I drink it first thing when I wake up.  By the time I get dressed, use the bathroom, brush my teeth, and put my electronics on (i.e. watch, ipod, etc.)  about 20 minutes has passed.  This is perfect time for energy release from the simple carbohydrates from the juice, and I'm fully awake by this time too.  This usually leads to a great run.

You have to find what juice works for you.  Sometimes orange juice upsets my stomach so I usually drink those tropical mixed juices.

If I run on my lunch break I don't eat solid food for about two hours before, but I still do the juice thing.  I have a much better run this way.  Runs right after eating suck!

I hope this helps.  Like I said, I'm not an expert, but this works for me.

I've recently started running in the mornings, and have developed a routine that works for me. First thing when I wake up, I either drink about 4 ounces of protein shake or a eat a piece of fruit with some soy milk (I'm a lactard) and then drink 8 oz of water or so. That is pretty much all that I can get down that early! Then I get ready, which usually takes about 20 minutes - get dressed to run, use the bathroom, put my oatmeal in the microwave so it is ready to go when I get back, etc. I usually only run for 30 minutes, and I find that eating that type of tiny meal (protein and fruit sugars) gives me plenty of energy, while keeping me from feeling weighed down or giving me a stomach ache.

oops, sent it twice, sorry

I don't usually eat before I run, but then I don't run in the morning very often.  When I do, I eat maybe 100-200 calories, enough to tide me over until after the run.  Running will suppress your appetite once you get going.  One option is to take a PowerGel or a Gu 20-30 minutes before you head out, along with a cup or two of water.

Ideally, you want to have healthy breakfast AFTER you run, with in that 30-60 minute window when your body is primed for recovery.

I have a ginormous (~400 calorie) bowl of oatmeal with tons of awesome add-ins immediately before I run in the morning. Sometimes I feel a little uncomfortable, but it works better for me than any other alternative I've tried. I know that this isn't the ideal way to do things from a fitness/nutritional standpoint, but it's what works for me.

The general direction is that a snack of about 100 to 200 calories before running and have it be a mix of carb and protein.  I just eat about 1/2 of a clif bar and some water.  Then I save the rest for post run on the way home from the trail and have a smaller than normal breakfast. 

I find that I get really loggy if I have not eaten around the 45 minute mark.  I did bonk on a long run once and it was not pretty... 

I used to not eat before running but like you said, I'd tire out easily and feel a bit faint-ish by the time I came back (I would run long distance 5-7 miles, hills included). 

Now I always eat. I find that if I'm in a rush I'll just have some oatmeal or toast w/ peanut butter and sliced banana. I've learned that eating veggies or apples (just apples... maybe I'm weird?) I'll get a stomach ache mid run and have to stop. Also I try not to drink too much water before a run otherwise I'll have to pee and that just sucks when you're on a trail and not near a bathroom at all...

I always eat before any workout because if I dont I have no energy at all. Usually I eat toast with peanut butter or a bowl of cereal.

I rarely workout in the mornings but I happened to last Saturday and made the mistake of not eating anything prior.  I felt weak and tired and had a really crappy workout.  Next time I will definately eat something.  Prob would be protein shake made with milk.  Mostly protein but a little carbs from the milk.

Hmmm ok it seems like most people eat either nothing or something small.....i've been running for 3 years everymorning except on weekends and havent ever aten anythhing haha but i think im going to try to eat a smalll bowl of cereal or something small and carb dense.....The juice idea sounded really good Runyourlife i think ill do that....i love the tropical juices to so it works.

To be completely honest i wouldnt run right now if i had the choice im trying to gain some lean muscle mass and general weight and i dont feel intense cardio is helping......

I'm with snowbun--I eat a banana every morning on my way to the gym.  I can't go in on an empty stomach, but can't have a lot in my stomach either.  I eat the banana before cardio or lifting.  Works for me.  However, on the weekends, when I go to the gym later (10am instead of 6:30 am) I have that banana with a small bowl of cereal because I'm hungrier and the banana alone wouldn't cut it.  In both instances, I eat immediately after I get back from the gym.

Everyone is different.  Some people run on an empty stomach, some people a cup of coffee, and some a full breakfast.  It's just a matter of finding what works for you.  Generally, a snack of mostly carbs with some protein is suggested.  Think a bagel with peanut putter, or a banana & peanut butter.  Generally, refined carbs are easier on your stomach to digest, so that's something to keep in mind too.

Personally, I have a blueberry bagel, a little peanut butter, and coconut water before my longer runs.  The coconut water(not coconut juice) is a great hydrant, and I find it's a good pre-run drink.  Afterward, I like to have a Mix1 drink.  If you haven't tried it, I recommend it post work-out.  Yummy, and full of the protein, vitamins, and other stuff your body needs to recover.

Bottom line, try a few things and see what works best for you and your stomach.