Suggestions for race day

[mwalsh95]

Any suggestions for good foods to eat for good energy on race day.

[Isabeau]

Re: Suggestions for race day

What distance? I didn't do anything different for my first 5k or even my first 10K race. I am curious about the half marathon though.

[ttdriver]

Re: Suggestions for race day

Any suggestions for good foods to eat for good energy on race day.

I didn't make any adjustments to my daily intake until I was in training for the half marathon (13.1 miles). For 5k and 10k distance, a good high fat/high protein meal a few hours before the race should suffice. Also, make sure you are well hydrated, but not overly so. A 16 oz bottle of water should get you through the shorter distances.

For the half marathon, I would suggest a good breakfast (eggs, bacon, maybe some lc toast) at least 2 hours before the race. Keep yourself well hydrated until the start. If you have one, the FUEL BELT is a worthwhile investment I wish I would have had for the halfer. I bought one for the marathon and its definitely a good thing. I have the four-pack which is enough to contain a 16 oz can of SOBE Sugar Free energy drink which I absolutely SWEAR BY for the longer distances .. With one can, I was able to run 25 miles straight without ever hitting the dreaded "WALL". For the marathon distance, I also had 2 of the Carb Boom gel packs which are nearly all complex carbohydrate.

Here's a picture of the fuel belt:


My worst fear wasn't running out of energy though .. it was eating something the night before that would give me gastric distress, or worse yet, diarrhea on the course. UGH .. So I didn't eat any high "gassy" veggies the day before (avoiding broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage). I ate chicken, mushrooms, grilled onions, some sour cream, bacon, and a little cheese. I was fine! (as a precaution, I did take some Immodium AD the morning of the marathon).

Hope that helps .. the shorter distances don't require major dietary or fluid adjustments .. its just the longer runs that you have to really plan ahead.

ENJOY THE COMPETITION! Come back to CoolRunning and tell us all about it!

Betty

[mwalsh95]

Re: Suggestions for race day

Thanks I appreciate the information. It's only a meesly 5K, but I am afraid I won't make even that. My kids will be at the finish line and I don't want to be one of the last to cross Hopefully I will also be about 15 more pounds down so that may help the energy even more Thanks again!!

[Richt]

Re: Suggestions for race day

For a 5 k race, as long as you have been training for it, you shouldn't need to eat any differently. Just make sure you are properly hydrated.

Good luck and let us know how it goes

Rich

[mwalsh95]

Re: Suggestions for race day

It's kinda of funny - the name of the race is "The Flying Pig Marathon". I'll be a flying piggy. HAHA

[2big4mysize]

Re: Suggestions for race day

remember a 5 k is about 3 miles. you can easily cover that ground on your normal Atkins eating. don't be afraid. come post all about it in your very own my first 5K run topic and inspire other ADBBer to go for it..

[mwalsh95]

Re: Suggestions for race day

I'll be back!! I let you know how I did.Thanks for all the support.