When I first began to increase my training several years ago, I realized one very simple thing very quickly. Runners eat differently.

In fact, runners are different in a lot of ways. Nutrition however is one area that I feel is a struggle for a lot of us.

It probably comes as no shocker than I read a lot of blogs. As a blogger, one of my favorite things to do when I have the time is to sit down and catch up on all my favorites.

When I first started to increase my training and really truly dedicate myself to running I was a very new blogger. I’d been reading blogs long before I started myself.  The problem that I ran into since I was completely clueless at the beginning was that you can’t just do what you see others do.

I read all types of blogs: running blogs, healthy living blogs, lifetsyle blogs, fashion blogs, etc. However, I kept finding myself struggling every time I changed my diet. Why?

I was trying to follow what I saw all these other bloggers doing. A large majority of these bloggers weren’t runners. There is nothing wrong with how any of these people ate, but they weren’t eating the kinds of foods that I needed to perform.

The main reason I bring this up, is because I’ve gotten emails overtime of others who have fallen into the same trap. It is one reason I am very careful not to talk too much about my personal nutrition. I’ve made HUGE strides in how I fuel my body, but I don’t want anyone to believe that what works for me will 100% work for them. I still try new things to do this day, I think it will always be a changing thing for me.

That’s the other tricky thing about runners, not everyone is going to be the same. For example, my husband and I are very different. We are both runners but he runs a lot more than I do (anywhere from 80-110 miles per week) and I usually run anywhere from 40-65 miles per week depending on my training phase.

Just like mileage and training is unique to each runner, so is their nutrition and fuel.

I was recently given the opportunity to try out and read Nutrition for Runners. I am always looking for new things to read and when it has to do with nutrtion AND running it is right up my ally!

I think there has been a lack of good books centered around nutrtion specifically for runners, so I was really excited when I saw this book come out!

Here is a break down straight from Anne’s website on what the book entails:

• A full overview book, which includes our “5 Principles of Nutrition for Runners“
• Fueling strategies for every scenario: 5k, 10k, half marathon & marathon – plus workout fueling for morning, afternoon & evening runners
• The complete “Ask the Dietitian” series, showing you how to reduce sugar cravings, which supplements are worth it, and more
• Meal Guide & Runner’s Cookbook with example meal guides based on the time of day you run (!) and recipes sorted into categories for before, during, and after runs
• Real food recipes for mid-run fuel, if you’re not a gel/gummy fan
• 30 easy to prepare, quick recipes for runners – plus 49 more ideas for simple snacks and meals
• 5 expert interviews (over 5 hours of audio!) on food intolerances, mistakes to avoid, race-specific fueling, inflammation & more
• 15 Training Plans so you can get faster in the 5k, 10k, half marathon & marathon – plus 3 weight loss plans to help you shed pounds easily
• The “Dietitian Approved” Shopping List, showing you exactly what to buy (and why)

Going into this I wasn’t looking for a book that was going to completely overall my diet. I’ve finally gotten to the point where I know what works for me, but I did want to learn more about proper fueling strategies.

The book follows a very intutitve eating approach, which Anne is very open about. It’s not some crazy diet book where they put everything off limit, in fact it speaks directly about making sure that doesn’t happen.

The package includes: the book itself, interviews with experts, meal guide and recipes, training plans and a shopping list.

I loved how simple the book was. Everything they discussed was done in a way that it was easy to understand.

The recipes they provided were amazing! I’ve already tried a few and can’t wait to try more! That is one thing I will never turn down. New recipes! It is no secret that I’m not one who loves to cook, but the ones provided are simple, affordable and great for you!

If you are someone who is looking for sound nutrtion advice for runners, this is a great book to check out! I’m glad that someone finally took the time to really dig into nutrtion and give some great advice to other runners.

Also, if you are looking for training plans Jason Fitzgerald includes several for various levels and distances!

Head over and check out Nutrtion for Runners! It is well worth it!

If I can say one thing about nutrtion it’s this: don’t copy what someone else does! Do your research, experiment and find what works best for you. Realize that everyone is at their own level, so what works for someone else may not work for you. Keep focused on it and once you find what works it makes all the difference in your running!

Have you read any good nutrtion or running books lately?