These benefits are realized further when walking or running with the treadmill on an incline. According to a study from A.T. Still University, walking on a treadmill at an incline of 10 percent or more will improve the muscles' benefits for a more intense workout.
Let's consider what types of food a runner needs before a long run, many of which could already be common staples in your diet. The most important things for runners to consider are carbohydrates, protein and fat. And getting the right balance of these three is important. Of a pre-race meal, about 60 percent should be carbohydrates, 20 percent protein and 20 percent fat [source: Tufts ]. Of course, runners can tweak this ratio to their liking.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps the lining of your large intestines absorb water, which helps you go to the bathroom more comfortably. Try to avoid eating for at least 2-3 hours before a run and avoid drinking 1 hour before a run. This gives your stomach time to digest before hitting the road. Keep a food log. For a full week keep track of what you eat/drink, how long before a run you eat/drink, and what symptoms occur during running. Over time you'll come to notice trends (i.e. if you eat a salad for lunch you'll be good to go for a long run pre-dinner) and come to learn what your body likes and dislikes.