Should You Take Preworkout Before A Run?

Preworkout Before a Run

Lately we've been getting a lot of questions about whether it's a good idea to take a preworkout before a run, so in today's post we're going to be addressing that question. I'm a runner myself and personally I typically don't take a preworkout before a run. I'm not opposed to an energy drink, a cup of coffee, or even an energized or caffeinated amino supplement like Amino Kick or Amino Energy, however I typically won't do a full fledged preworkout. 

Most preworkouts have stimulants like caffeine, DMHA or others, as well as ingredients to promote focus, to increasemotivation and to provide a nice muscle pump. For a run I don't necessarily need all of that. I don't mind a bit of extra energy hence the caffeine I'll occasionally have but I don't really need citrulline or arginine or Alpha GPC before a run. If anything I may mix some Peak02 into my Amino Energy or Amino Kick for some added endurnace but that's as far as I personally take it. 

What's Your Goals?

If you go on high intensity runs or run sprints in track for example a preworkout can provide a boost of energy, focus and this could make a preworkout potentially beneficial for short or more intense runs or races, especially preworkouts which contain creatine which helps with short bursts of energy.

For long distance runs however which is the type of running the vast majority of us are doing, the effectiveness of preworkouts is less clear. Some runners find them helpful, however they can also cause upset stomach or even dehydration. 

What Do Reddit Runners Have to Say About Preworkouts?

If you are eating a well rounded nutritious diet, you don't need to waste money on supplements. For a 2-3 mile morning running, I don't bother to eat anything at all. It's barely tapped stored glycogen.

Preworkout for running (especially low mileage) is essentially useless. Running uses glycogen stores and depending on intensity and duration eventually fat stores. Even though your muscles are being used in running, your cardiovascular system is doing most of the work. Preworkout usually has stimulants which can spike your heart rate. That’s not want you want as a runner since you’re trying to keep your HR as low as possible while running at an efficient pace.

I use preworkout before every run, whether its easy, long, or tempo. I only run in the morning, fasted, first thing in the morning (after taking preworkout and getting dressed). For me, it's a good way to get a little bit more awake without having to run the coffee machine (and coffee makes me need to pee slightly more). I have no issues with anything (sleep, elevated heart rate) and am very happy with my run routine and my fitness/mileage is constantly improving. It's not really about getting into "the zone" like it is for weightlifting, at least for me. Just being a little more awake. Does it really have a big impact on my running? Not really. I don't think you need to worry about long term performance, as that depends on you and your effort/routine and not on whether or not you take preworkout. The point is, I think, you gotta just try it. If it makes your running life better, even by 1%, why not go for it? The comments about nutrition are kind of irrelevant as this really has nothing to do with glycogen stores. Nutrition is key, but not related.

Wrapping Up

Most runners seem to feel preworkouts for running, at least shorter runs under 5 miles are not needed and are somewhat of a waste. Others however do enjoy the stimulants and the boost in focus and motivation and prefer to take them. A lot of runners may also find that either eating some carbs or taking a carb supplement prior to a run may be more beneficial than stimulants or a preworkout.

Peronally I just like a little caffeine before a run. While I don't take them on a regular basis I do find Peak02 can be great for endurance, especially if going on 5+ mile runs and I've on occasion used an Eria Jarensis supplement for a boost in motivation on a few days when I really haven't felt like running.

If you are interested in trying to add a preworkout supplement to your running routine try to find one that has a moderate amount of caffeine or stimulants and begin with a half scoop initially to assess tolerance. Try to find a preworkout supplement with some hydration components be that electrolytes or coconut water powder, and experiment and use some trial and error to find what amount works for you, and the timing ie how long before you run you take the preworkout works for you. If you're interested in trying to add a preworkout to your running routine checkout our huge collection of Preworkout supplements which includes DMHA Infused Preworkouts, Low Stim Preworkouts and Energized Amino Preworkouts among many others. 

Author

John has been helping people in the fitness and nutrition industry for over 10 years. He is an avid biker, hiker and fitness enthusiast. Most notably, you can find him on Youtube instructing viewers about the newest products to hit the supplement industry.

John Frigo