Marathon Weekend 2027

[Baloo in MI]

SAFD:
Fueling, runDisney focus. Pre-race meal is usually a tortilla with some peanut butter and water with Liquid-IV. Race fueling is a bit tricky for me as things either leave me with dry mouth or a queasy stomach so no gels or waffle things. Many years ago I started using Pure Organic fruit bars (get them at Costco) they are small and easy to eat and digest for me. Generally I eat one while in the corral/walk up and then I eat one about every 2-3 miles depending on race distance. They taste good and offer 60 calories/15 grams of carbs each. I do have to stay on schedule, but when I do it works out perfectly for me. Post race means choc milk! Well, choc almond milk. It is a good source of protein and calories post race, and I love it. The trick is for the half marathon or marathon bring it in a soda bottle that you freeze over night and then wrap in a towel and put in the gear bag. Post race is it mostly melted, super cold and wonderful!

 

[smrt1]

I always carry a water bottle with me for my runs. On a run of 16 miles or longer I carry a water bottle (or two, depending) full of white cherry Gatorade. I use the powdered mix as it is much cheaper. For races I always carry Gatorade as a supplement to the on-course hydration, in case I miss a water stop, etc. I’ve never gotten into the fancy sports drinks as I figure as long as it has sugar in it it’s all the same. At rD races I’ll usually eat whatever they are handing out as long as it is vegan (I liked those chews from this year’s races). I can’t stand chocolate so I always skip that. I’m also not a fan or bananas while running, so I don’t take those, either. At the Philly Marathon there’s usually someone handing out soft pretzels, which are amazing. One of the greatest meals I’ve ever eaten was at around mile 21-22 of Philly and I was given an ice cold can of Coke and a soft pretzel by two different spectators. For ultras I’ll eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, usually about halfway through, along with whatever else they are giving out at the aid stations. Lots of hard pretzels and boiled salted potatoes, Oreos and soda. Got a 50-miler in less than two weeks, can’t wait for the aid stations!

 

[GollyGadget]

Oh, I always have something before a run - lately it's been a cookie, but in the past I've had toast or dry cheerios. But before races - especially Disney races, since I have to wake up so early - I often have something more substantial. I realize I should probably stick to the same type of food and amount before long runs and races.

Ahh, as long as you’re eating something. I actually don’t think it needs to be the same on race day as long as it’s something you know works for you. At least, that’s what I’m going to keep telling myself so I can continue indulging in my pre race pop tarts for destination races.. ..

 

[jmasgat]

I need to chew mint gum while I run

I know there’s some witty/punny comment to make here about walking and chewing gum at the same time. Calling @Mr_Incr3dible.

But seriously, I’m impressed. I have never had a race/running experience where I could tolerate chewing anything while moving. Even the chocolate they used to give out at the entrance to the Studios portion of the old marathon course.

 

[Erika10021]

I know there’s some witty/punny comment to make here about walking and chewing gum at the same time. Calling @Mr_Incr3dible.

But seriously, I’m impressed. I have never had a race/running experience where I could tolerate chewing anything while moving. Even the chocolate they used to give out at the entrance to the Studios portion of the old marathon course.

Chewing gum while running is a non-negotiable for me too! For anyone who gets a dry mouth from running, it is a game changer. And you don't have to chew it all the time, it also works to just move it around your mouth while you run. During the marathon on MW, I had 8-10 pieces of gum just for that one race.

 

[lahobbs4]

SAFD: under-fueler here so I have no advice. Hoping to learn more nutrition-wise during this marathon training cycle. I have a weird stomach so I generally stick to Tailwind. I pack a few pb crackers, sometimes tootsie rolls (they warm up as you run so they aren't as hard to chew), and Huma packs. Wish I could be a Nerds cluster girl but EWW.

One of the major reasons that I don't like running marathons is that I feel a low grade nausea (not enough to throw up, but enough to make me worry about eating) for about 24-36 hours afterwards, which is unpleasant.

This is me 100%.

 

[Naomeri]

I know there’s some witty/punny comment to make here about walking and chewing gum at the same time. Calling @Mr_Incr3dible.

But seriously, I’m impressed. I have never had a race/running experience where I could tolerate chewing anything while moving. Even the chocolate they used to give out at the entrance to the Studios portion of the old marathon course.

Chewing gum while running is a non-negotiable for me too! For anyone who gets a dry mouth from running, it is a game changer. And you don't have to chew it all the time, it also works to just move it around your mouth while you run. During the marathon on MW, I had 8-10 pieces of gum just for that one race.

A fresh piece of gum can also help trick my stomach into thinking it's getting food when it's not time to actually eat anything yet

 

[jrsharp21]

I used to be like you. I would just get up and run. I still do if my run is only 30 minutes .

I still don’t wake up two hours early, there’s no way that is happening. On weekdays, that would mean a 3 am alarm! Anyway, I would suggest you find something you can gobble down quickly so at least you don’t have an empty stomach. I usually toast a Kodiak waffle while I get dressed but you could sub for regular toast, graham crackers, etc.

One of my favorites for early morning long runs is eating an Uncrustable before going out. Pretty simple and easy, and don't have to wake up early! Not a fan of jelly that early in the morning, so I have been using the Uncrustables with peanut butter and Nutella or peanut butter and honey. It sounds like I was on the right track with the Nutella. At the IronMan race I just did, I learned that the pros eat crazy amounts of Nutella leading up to the race.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

>> @Erika10021 said: "Chewing gum while running is a non-negotiable for me too! For anyone who gets a dry mouth from running, it is a game changer. And you don't have to chew it all the time, it also works to just move it around your mouth while you run. "

This! I get dry mouth, but instead of gum, I use Mentos or Werther's caramels. I can actually get about 3 miles out of a Mentos, maybe half that for a Werthers. I just let them sit to one side of my mouth and melt. Not only do they prevent dry mouth, but add a smidge of carbs during the run.

I need to chew mint gum while I run

I know there’s some witty/punny comment to make here about walking and chewing gum at the same time. Calling @Mr_Incr3dible.

Oh my, I must be slipping. (Says the guy who nearly ran over @Naomeri during the PW 10K....)
I can run and chew gum, but about half the time I wind up losing the gum due to having to breathe through my mouth the whole time, so insert punchlines here.

 

[Dopey 2020]

One of my favorites for early morning long runs is eating an Uncrustable

Training runs I just eat whatever I feel like for breakfast that day but this is my absolute go to for race day, or on occasion a homemade pbj

For runDisney it’s always the same, get up, coffee on the way, finish the coffee on the walk in, uncrustable at the light pole, uncrustable in the corral. I try to time the same pre race routine for all local races, just don’t usually have the same wait to start

 

[jrsharp21]

Training runs I just eat whatever I feel like for breakfast that day but this is my absolute go to for race day, or on occasion a homemade pbj

For runDisney it’s always the same, get up, coffee on the way, finish the coffee on the walk in, uncrustable at the light pole, uncrustable in the corral. I try to time the same pre race routine for all local races, just don’t usually have the same wait to start

I remember you mentioning the Uncrustables at MW2025. That is what had me try it out in the long training runs up to this MW and also ate that before each run this MW. In the past I didn't like to eat before running as I didn't like that heavy feeling in my stomach, but didn't have that with Uncrustables.

I still don't get how people drink coffee before a race. I would be afraid to get into the corrals without a quick exit to the port a potties insight. LOL.

 

[WDW 4 ME]

I start by having oatmeal

I adore oatmeal but am always scared to have it pre-run. I’m guessing since this your method, you have no issues with the fiber beforehand running?

 

[GuinnessRunner]

I still don't get how people drink coffee before a race. I would be afraid to get into the corrals without a quick exit to the port a potties insight. LOL.

I actually do coffee in hotel before leaving and then a Diet Mt. Dew on bus/in corrals to get my caffine fix before Disney races. I will say that careful timing is imporant

 

[WDW 4 ME]

SAFD: Some of my favorite mid-race fuels have included:
- beer
- tequila
- mimosa
- more beer
- bacon
- White Castle slider
- beer

Do I recommend those to anybody? Without a doubt. Is it sound fueling strategy? Absolutely.

You would like the Taco Bell race!!! You have to stop and eat at several Taco Bell’s along the way, and order specific things. So it can’t be cinnamon crisps at each stop. It’s Mexican pizzas and chalupas!

 

[sandam1]

But seriously, I’m impressed. I have never had a race/running experience where I could tolerate chewing anything while moving. Even the chocolate they used to give out at the entrance to the Studios portion of the old marathon course.

I still twitch every time I think of those chocolates. During my first marathon, I was in the middle of a crying mess meltdown (I was soooo over the whole running thing at that point) when I hit that chocolate stop. I took some, thinking that chocolate is never a bad idea, and boy, was I wrong. It was like trying to shallow stale chewing gum. I was on the phone, crying to my friend and complaining about this terrible chocolate and I'm sure making absolutely no sense. It was quite a while before chocolate sounded good to me again.

 

[jrsharp21]

You would like the Taco Bell race!!! You have to stop and eat at several Taco Bell’s along the way, and order specific things. So it can’t be cinnamon crisps at each stop. It’s Mexican pizzas and chalupas!

Oh good grief. The lines for those porta potties.

 

[RuntheMouse]

I adore oatmeal but am always scared to have it pre-run. I’m guessing since this your method, you have no issues with the fiber beforehand running?

No problems at all, but I’ve been eating this for years.

 

[nancipants]

Maybe we should all switch to Sebastian Sawe's pre-run breakfast: two pieces of toast with tea and honey.

 

[PrincessV]

I adore oatmeal but am always scared to have it pre-run. I’m guessing since this your method, you have no issues with the fiber beforehand running?

I sometimes do oatmeal before runs, too, and no issues. But I eat a very high fiber diet all around, so I’d guess it’s a matter of being used to it.

Maybe we should all switch to Sebastian Sawe's pre-run breakfast: two pieces of toast with tea and honey.

Two low in protein for me: I do 2 pieces of whole wheat toast, but topped with PB and banana slices in addition to honey. I prefer coffee to tea, though, with a good pour of soy milk for more protein. I’ll do tea if it’s all I’ve got, but something about the smell of coffee brewing and that first sip of strong French roast perks me right up!

 

[Naomeri]

>> @Erika10021 said: "Chewing gum while running is a non-negotiable for me too! For anyone who gets a dry mouth from running, it is a game changer. And you don't have to chew it all the time, it also works to just move it around your mouth while you run. "

This! I get dry mouth, but instead of gum, I use Mentos or Werther's caramels. I can actually get about 3 miles out of a Mentos, maybe half that for a Werthers. I just let them sit to one side of my mouth and melt. Not only do they prevent dry mouth, but add a smidge of carbs during the run.


I know there’s some witty/punny comment to make here about walking and chewing gum at the same time. Calling @Mr_Incr3dible.

Oh my, I must be slipping. (Says the guy who nearly ran over @Naomeri during the PW 10K....)
I can run and chew gum, but about half the time I wind up losing the gum due to having to breathe through my mouth the whole time, so insert punchlines here.

I'm also a mouth-breathing runner, but I've only lost my gum like 3 times

I still twitch every time I think of those chocolates. During my first marathon, I was in the middle of a crying mess meltdown (I was soooo over the whole running thing at that point) when I hit that chocolate stop. I took some, thinking that chocolate is never a bad idea, and boy, was I wrong. It was like trying to shallow stale chewing gum. I was on the phone, crying to my friend and complaining about this terrible chocolate and I'm sure making absolutely no sense. It was quite a while before chocolate sounded good to me again.

I did a race last November where they had candy at the water stops, but it was frozen solid, it was so demoralizing to get a treat and then not be able to eat it