Nutrition for running v strength training

Your post-workout nutrition is a good place to start. Both need enough calories, protein and carbohydrates to rebuild the muscle and replenish glycogen stores. But endurance work such as running and other cardio forms may require more caloric intake straight after training due to the energy burn, says Fildes.

“The immediate energy demand of running, particularly endurance running, is something to bear in mind when refuelling,” she says. That’s important to bear in mind as, after running, our appetites are often reduced – eating simple carbohydrates that are easy to digest is the best way to go.

Speaking of carbs, you may need to eat more of them after running than after strength training. “Any post-workout meal should involve protein and carbohydrates, but runners probably need to be more conscious of restoring their glycogen levels,” says Fildes.

Do you need to recover differently after running than you do after strength training?