THE IMPORTANCE OF RATIONAL NUTRITION IN OPTIMIZING LIFE QUALITY OF RECREATIONAL RUNNERS

Abstract

The number of recreational runners in Poland steadily grows in recent times. The article presents the specifics of runners’ nutrition and the results of own research aimed at analyzing the eating habits of amateur runners. The amount and regularity of consumed meals, preferred types of foodstuffs, methods and degree of organism watering and culinary techniques most commonly used in the meals preparation were determined. Based on the collected data the analysis of runners’ nutrition before training/competition and after it was completed. The main sources of knowledge on rational nutrition and runners’ attitude towards dietary supplementation were determined. It was possible to identify the influence of nutrition on the subjective feeling of runners’ quality of life and organism effort capacity. It was indicated that runners feeding rationally demonstrate a greater level of complacency and draw from running more satisfaction than those who do not attach more attention to this issue. The subjective perception of their conditions also improves. Runners regardless of the phase of exercise drink too little fluid and consume too little dairy products, eggs, fruits and vegetables. To a limited extent they use sports supplementation of the diet. Female runners pay to nutrition issue more attention than men and make more informed food choices.