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Meal Plan for a Runner – Middle Distance

Middle distance running includes the 800m and 1500m events. They involve a degree of endurance with a high demand on the cardiovascular system. Training for the events will involve some weight training 2-3 times per week as well as 2-3 sessions of treadmill and road running with a mixture of endurance training and sprinting. The athlete may have longer distance practice just once every few weeks.

Middle distance runners may carry a moderate amount of lean muscle mass and will have strong leg tendon strength and excellent fitness. Following a meal plan like the one below will be ideal for a typical day's training, but both pre- and post-event carbohydrate loading is recommended in order to maximise the muscle and liver carbohydrate stores.

Here's a sample meal plan for a middle distance runner to follow for a typical training day:

Breakfast	Porridge: 75g oats + tbsp ground linseeds + 250ml skimmed milk + tsp sugar 2 slices granary bread, toasted + olive oil based spread + natural crunchy peanut butter 1-2 boiled / scrambled eggs 250ml fresh fruit juice Tea/coffee
Mid-morning	2-3 oatcakes + 150g cottage cheese or quark Small handful mixed nuts & seeds Item fruit Mug green tea
Lunch	Sandwich made with granary bread + olive oil based spread with lean ham/chicken or large mackerel fillet 100g mixed nuts, seeds & dried fruit Mixed salad Low fat, low sugar yoghurt Drink
Mid-afternoon	2 squares Easy Flapjacks Large handful mixed nuts Large banana Mug green tea
30 minutes	pre-training 2-3 oatcakes 100g mixed nuts, seeds & dried fruit Water
Running / gym training	Sip plenty of water or isotonic drink where possible
Immediately post training	25g whey protein + 20g dextrose in water
Evening meal (45 mins later)	Lean fillet steak or chicken breast or fish + herbs to taste Boiled new potatoes or basmati rice or dry roasted sweet potatoes or wholewheat pasta Loads of vegetables Low fat, no added sugar yoghurt Drink
Mid-evening	Unsweetened muesli + 200ml skimmed milk Item fruit Drink
1 hour pre-bed	25g whey protein in 150ml skimmed milk

The above plan provides sufficient levels of all nutrients, however do bear in mind that the plan is merely a general guide, and there is no mention of portion sizes on purpose so that you can adapt it to suit yourself; remember men will generally require larger portions than women! You must eat a variety of different meats/fish, complex carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables every day, and drink plenty of water. This plan is based around sustained slow released low glycaemic carbohydrates to help provide energy for exercise sessions. Oatcakes and granary bread will top up this slow released energy through the daytime.

Plans for people with illness or medical conditions in no way should override advice provided specifically for you by your doctor, clinical dietitian or other clinician. We advise that you seek the advice of a suitably qualified physician before commencing any exercise regime, following any dietary or nutritional regimen or beginning the use of any dietary supplements, legal or otherwise. The information provided on the Website is intended as information only and does not constitute advice. Therefore, it must not be relied on to assist in making or refraining from making a decision, or to assist in deciding on a course of action.