Pre-race "happy food"

[jmasgat]

As I continue my search for a food that I can eat before a race that will make me feel great, I am reminded of when I was a kid. Our town's Parks & Recreation Dept. put on a field day for the kids in town. I used to do the sprints and I always had a bowl of Cheerios the morning of the races. Cheerios were like my "Popeye spinach"--I would eat it and feel strong and ready for anything.

So in the spirit of marathon/half marathon prep, does anyone want to share their favorite pre-race food? The one that you can't do without. The one that makes you feel strong and maybe even invincible?

Maura

[Cindylou]

I usually have a banana and a PBJ sandwich.

[TEK224]

Cindylou, I have the same thing, along with a bottle of Gatorade.

Terri

[jam217]

I'll have a banana and mini whole wheat bagel with PB about 90 minutes before race time. And I always have two cups of coffee several hours before.

Believe it or not, the night before a long race I always have a vodka and tonic (just one) with my pasta dinner. I swear by them. There's something about the mix of sugar and carbs that gives me energy on race day.

[momof2minnies]

bagel, pb and banana with coffee

[IMGONNABE40!]

Peanut butter on a whole grain bagel. I'll have to try adding a banana.

[Sandy321]

I guess the Quaker Oats Brown Sugar Oatmeal To Go isnt the best choice... :rolleyes1

(but its so convenient to pack!)
and a bottle of water... 1/2 banana if its available...

[Duanerice]

Pretty boring here. I have a bowl of Special K with strawberries (not fresh, in the cereal). I eat it everyday and have been for a few years now. Told you it was boring.

I tried Pop Tarts twice now and haven't been impressed with the results. I tried them because Thunder Matt ate them at the start of his Ironman so I figure it it works for Thunder then..... But, I had my two worst runs in a while after eating them. To be fair it was low 80's with matching humidity so I'll withhold judgment. Hope is works because I can eat that on the way to my running place.

enjoy,
Duane

[Steffwalks]

Instant oatmeal for me. No bananas here on race day....EVER!!!! The oats are easy to eat, easy on the tummy, nice slow carbs, works like magic!

[Tiger Lily 03]

Low Sugar Instant Oatmeal - Apples/Cinnamon. I use a little water to mix so it is thick if I take it with me on race morning. I'll put it in styrofoam cup or even in a resealable snack bag. A banana in case I want a bite or 2, and if I can find coffee a cuppa for me gets my heart started. I bring a bottle of water too. I may only have a couple of bites, but I bring choices.
If I start from home then I'll eat either oatmeal or banana before stepping outside.