Thoughts on the pasta party?

[justcrusin]

Is the pre marathon pasta party worth it?

 

[verticalchaos]

Not to me. But then I don't buy into the carbo-loading crap.

Others have differing opinions.

 

[Danhockey04]

I will just go to a local italian place, much cheaper, probably better and still satisfied. I really enjoy Villaggio at Cagan Crossing in Clermont, small local place, very cheap, good pasta.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Not to me. But then I don't buy into the carbo-loading crap.

Others have differing opinions.

I agree...It makes absolutely no sense how eating pasta the night before can possibly stay with you for the race the next day and somehow provide a benefit. I have never done the Pasta Party and never will. I much rather eat stuff that I actually like for dinner the night before. I think the only value would be meeting a lot of people on this board.

 

[stampingoddess]

I will just go to a local italian place, much cheaper, probably better and still satisfied. I really enjoy Villaggio at Cagan Crossing in Clermont, small local place, very cheap, good pasta.

We alse tend to go off property and meet a large group of friends at Macaronni Grill on International Blvd.

For all of these races I think that the "official" pasta party is overpriced and overrated for what you get.

 

[stitchfan18]

Isn't the official pasta party on Thursday night? I haven't looked at it in awhile, but I remember it being over priced, and not even the night before one of the longer events. Even if it was on Saturday night before the marathon, it probably still wouldn't be worth it IMHO.

 

[justcrusin]

That's what I was thinking. Thanks for the responses everyone. I think I'm going to hit Carrabbas or Macaroni Grill.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I don't buy into the whole carbo-loading routine either, and I've heard the food itself is not that good. Everyone I know says don't do anything different for the race, and IMO that includes what you eat the day before. I also have low blood sugar and carbo-loading can backfire.

 

[FFigawi]

I'd say it's not worth it. Not only is it pretty expensive, massive carb loading the night before a race doesn't have a huge benefit. Carb loading needs to be done during the entire period before a race, not just one night. Gradually increasing complex carb intake during your taper period is what typically works best. Binging the night before will just leave you feeling full and bloated.

FWIW, my habitual pre-race meal is sushi. It's light, has some carbs, and lots of pure protein for energy the next day.

 

[johde]

I was looking at Pasta in the Park for the Disneyland half and decided it's way over priced. At Disneyland it's $104 but included a Disneyland twilight ticket and 2 fastpasses. I'm going to be fighting jet lag too much to enjoy it. Plus that's too expensive if you already have admission plans.

 

[John VN]

Our pasta party before the 1/2M and the Full in January was a Stouffer's Large Size lasagna with meat & sauce, cooked in the micro.

We did the Pasta Dinner before the Space Coast 1/2M but with that we had dinner under a full scale Saturn V Rocket, really cool.

I don't think we would do any other pasta party.

 

[windwalker]

My pre endurance race, night before, favorite meal is shrimp or salmon with baked potato and salad with extra tomato and a vinaigrette dressing and good bread.

Dave

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

...massive carb loading the night before a race doesn't have a huge benefit. Carb loading needs to be done during the entire period before a race, not just one night. Gradually increasing complex carb intake during your taper period is what typically works best. Binging the night before will just leave you feeling full and bloated...

For Marathon weekend we've been attending the Friday WISH meet and either eating something light at the cafeteria or something light somewhere.

For some events I've done there has been a pasta party INCLUDED in the registration. It has always been fun to attend with fellow participants.

You decide what is best. You can meet up with friends and eat before/after. I definitely think that no matter what, the meal should be something easy for you to eat.

 

[laughinplace199]

I last ran the marathon in 2010. The night before the race, we had dinner at Olivia's at OKW. They had some marathon weekend specials on the menu. DH & I had a pasta dish with olive oil, sun dried tomato, pesto, and grilled chicken. It was awesome! It was perfect - tasty without being too spicy and it was filling, but not overly so. I'd definitely go back there again if it's on the menu this year.