⁠Sports Nutrition & Athlete Lifestyle

View all articles

What to Eat Before a Long Run, Best Pre-Run Breakfast

Cream of rice is one of the best pre-long run breakfasts when you want quick energy without a heavy stomach. It’s light, easy to digest and packed with fast carbs to fuel the miles ahead. Perfect before long runs, race mornings or any session where easy fuel matters. 

Why Cream of Rice Is So Good Before a Run

Cream of rice is one of the best pre-run breakfasts, because it’s: 

  • Easy to digest
  • Low in fat
  • Low in fiber
  • High in quick carbs
  • Gentle on your stomach

That makes it ideal before morning runs, speed workouts, long runs and race day. 

5 Cream of Rice Recipes for Runners

Light, simple and easy on digestion, these cream of rice recipes are perfect before a run when you need quick energy without feeling too full. 

 

1. Banana Honey Cream of Rice 


The ideal pre-run breakfast for easy energy.
 

Ingredients:

  • 50g cream of rice
  • 200ml water
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Pinch of sea salt 

Why it’s good before a run: 
Banana and honey provide quick carbs for fast energy, while cream of rice keeps this bowl light and easy to digest. Perfect before easy runs, speed sessions or race day. 

2. Blueberry Vanilla Cream of Rice 


Simple, light and perfect when you want fuel without a heavy breakfast.
 

Ingredients:

  • 50g cream of rice
  • 200ml water
  • Handful blueberries
  • Splash of almond milk
  • Dash of cinnamon 

Why it’s good before a run:
Blueberries add quick carbs and antioxidants, while this bowl stays light enough for early morning runs. 

3. Apple Cinnamon Cream of Rice 


A cozy pre-run classic.
 

Ingredients:

  • 50g cream of rice
  • 200ml water
  • 1/2 small apple, diced
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • 1 tsp maple syrup 

Why it’s good before a run:
This bowl gives steady carbs, stays low in fat and is gentle on digestion. Great before long runs when you want sustained energy. 

4. Maple Sea Salt Cream of Rice 


Simple but elite for long run mornings.
 

Ingredients:

  • 50g cream of rice
  • 200ml water
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt 

Why it’s good before a run:
Quick carbs plus sodium make this ideal before longer runs, warm weather or sweaty sessions. 

5. Strawberry Jam Cream of Rice 


Tastes like toast and jam, but easier to digest.
 

Ingredients:

  • 50g cream of rice
  • 200ml water
  • 1 tsp strawberry jam
  • 50g strawberries 

Why it’s good before a run:
Fast carbs, low fiber and easy on digestion, perfect before race day or speed workouts.