Ideas for pre-race meals?

[crzy4mk]

I have just gotten into walking/running, and am running a few smaller races in preparation for the WDW 1/2 marathon this year. For those of you who have a few races under your belts, help me out with ideas for pre-race meals. I am "running" a 4 mile in about a month, a 10K in September, and (hopefully) a 1/2 marathon in October to prep for Disney. Do I need to carb load for those shorter races, or just for the 1/2 marathons? What foods do I need to eat? I assume that chicken breasts, pasta, eggs, and things like that would be good but I need help from those who have gone before me! Thanks!

 

[Calcio]

This is a very common question, so you're treading on common ground.

The short answer is no, you do not need to alter your diet or worry about carbo loading for races up to a half marathon.

Your body's natural energy stores are sufficient for a 4 miler, a 10K, or your planned October of January Disney half marathons. It won't hurt for you to be conscious of eating pastas, grains, and fruits as you lead up to the race, but you don't need to eat anything special before races like this. If you go past the half marathon distance you'll want to build your energy stores in advance through proper eating.

Another important question which you can only answer through experience is whether or not your body needs some type of light meal before a race. Many people either do not need to eat before a race or are unable to eat before a race as it upsets their stomach. My wife is one of these people. I am not one of those people, as I absolutely have to eat before a morning race, otherwise I literally fall to pieces as my body exhausts the fuel tank. After many races over many years I have found that an energy bar and a banana, washed down with a little water give my body the kick it needs in the morning, without making me feel full or sick. For Disney with the 6 a.m. start I take this down at about 4:30 and I'm ready for the beginning, middle, and end of the half marathon.

For the full I do take a few bites of the gel beginning about half way. It is truly vile stuff in my opinion, but it certainly helps.

Good luck with your races building up to Disney. The only way to find what works and doesn't work for you is to get out there, which you are doing. Good luck.

Craig

 

[chimera]

I'm not the best source for this 'cause I still don't feel like I have the nutritional thing under control yet. I have to eat before a run and I have to have some protein in addition to the carbs or things get ugly fast. I used to eat peanut butter on toast, but had some heartburn issues with that, so now I have an energy bar. I do Clif shot blocks every 3 miles on LR and races.

You can also check out the Marathon FAQfor more info...Lisa has a pretty good nutritional section.

 

[crzy4mk]

Thanks, guys!

I'm glad to know I don't have to alter my diet too much before my races. I guess I'll just try a few different things as I train and see what works best.

 

[plutosmyfav]

This is a very common question, so you're treading on common ground.

The short answer is no, you do not need to alter your diet or worry about carbo loading for races up to a half marathon.

Your body's natural energy stores are sufficient for a 4 miler, a 10K, or your planned October of January Disney half marathons. It won't hurt for you to be conscious of eating pastas, grains, and fruits as you lead up to the race, but you don't need to eat anything special before races like this. If you go past the half marathon distance you'll want to build your energy stores in advance through proper eating.

Another important question which you can only answer through experience is whether or not your body needs some type of light meal before a race. Many people either do not need to eat before a race or are unable to eat before a race as it upsets their stomach. My wife is one of these people. I am not one of those people, as I absolutely have to eat before a morning race, otherwise I literally fall to pieces as my body exhausts the fuel tank. After many races over many years I have found that an energy bar and a banana, washed down with a little water give my body the kick it needs in the morning, without making me feel full or sick. For Disney with the 6 a.m. start I take this down at about 4:30 and I'm ready for the beginning, middle, and end of the half marathon.

For the full I do take a few bites of the gel beginning about half way. It is truly vile stuff in my opinion, but it certainly helps.

Good luck with your races building up to Disney. The only way to find what works and doesn't work for you is to get out there, which you are doing. Good luck.

Craig

Hi Craig,

So good to see you! I hope to see you on the general thread. We've been all mushy about Cam's heroic efforts and the people who kept her going, you being a major player. Its brought backa flood of memories from last years training. I miss you insightful posts!

Sunny

 

[Calcio]

Good Morning Sunny

I hope you are well, your training is progressing nicely. Congratulations on committing to the Goofy in January. It's truly a challenge, but when you've completed both races you'll have a tremendous feeling of accomplishment.

Yes, I've disappeared in the last 2 months. Since returning from spring break I've been working investment banker hours for far less than investment banker pay. I've been able to manage work, my training, and my family, but I haven't had the physical or emotional energy to do anything else. It won't get better for a few weeks more, so I suspect I'll pop up from time to time, but I won't be a consistent presence like last year.

Take care and good luck with Goofy.

Craig