
1. Almonds. High in the antioxidant vitamin E, these flavorful nuts help prevent achy muscles. Their protein and fiber keep your tummy from growling on runs, too.
And they’re portable! Grab a handful for your morning snack up to five times per week.
2. Oranges. Running can damage muscles, and oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient that helps them heal.
Vitamin C can also help you absorb more iron, an important mineral that helps prevent fatigue and low energy. Eat an orange or drink 8 ounces of orange juice every day.
3. Sweet potatoes. This tasty veggie ranks high in energy-supplying carbs and beta carotene, plus minerals like potassium and magnesium, which runners lose through sweating. A medium-size sweet potato has only about 100 calories; two to three times a week, eat one.

4. Tuna. To help repair muscles after a workout, runners need about 60 to 90 grams of protein per day. (That’s more than nonrunners need.)
