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Change eating before Event?
duckiec
Posts: 241 Member
I wasnt sure where to ask this but here goes!
Ive got my first 5k mud/obstacle run coming up in two weeks. I'm terribly nervous- until this year there was nothing about me that was remotely fit; this is my first real race/event and with a team too.
I've been following their C25k program that includes strength sessions, plus doing my regular (home body weight) strength routines and other cardio (Zumba classes). With this activity, I usually have about a 750/day calorie deficit (exercise cals by HRM, TDEE according to my fitbit), and my overall immediate goal is to continue to lose weight (25 lbs to go).
This one isn't nearly as serious as the Tough Mudders and the like- they estimate it takes 45-60 min to complete the course. My teammates have done the harder ones before and I want to perform my best to not let them down.
My question- do I change my eating plan at all to prepare? Maintain current deficit, cuz really, it's just a tough workout (I sometimes feel fatigued, but get thru), reduce deficit amount but continue at a deficit considering my long-term goals, or do the unthinkable and go to maintenance for some time to be sure I'm fueled? If any changes, for how long before the event? I will keep the same training schedule, and have a business trip so will be extra active the week before.
After the race, a shower and a day of free celebratory eating/adult beverages. I will focus on a new training program/goal and go back to my deficit plan; any change for this would be temporary.
Thanks for any advice and guidance- Ive never had to consider eating for performance before... Though I realize I may be making a bigger deal out of this than it deserves. Thx again!
Ive got my first 5k mud/obstacle run coming up in two weeks. I'm terribly nervous- until this year there was nothing about me that was remotely fit; this is my first real race/event and with a team too.
I've been following their C25k program that includes strength sessions, plus doing my regular (home body weight) strength routines and other cardio (Zumba classes). With this activity, I usually have about a 750/day calorie deficit (exercise cals by HRM, TDEE according to my fitbit), and my overall immediate goal is to continue to lose weight (25 lbs to go).
This one isn't nearly as serious as the Tough Mudders and the like- they estimate it takes 45-60 min to complete the course. My teammates have done the harder ones before and I want to perform my best to not let them down.
My question- do I change my eating plan at all to prepare? Maintain current deficit, cuz really, it's just a tough workout (I sometimes feel fatigued, but get thru), reduce deficit amount but continue at a deficit considering my long-term goals, or do the unthinkable and go to maintenance for some time to be sure I'm fueled? If any changes, for how long before the event? I will keep the same training schedule, and have a business trip so will be extra active the week before.
After the race, a shower and a day of free celebratory eating/adult beverages. I will focus on a new training program/goal and go back to my deficit plan; any change for this would be temporary.
Thanks for any advice and guidance- Ive never had to consider eating for performance before... Though I realize I may be making a bigger deal out of this than it deserves. Thx again!
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One opinion, followed by many if performance at the event is desired, and not just basically a big social training run.
For that short of course, eat at maintenance (no deficit) for the 3 days preceding the event, and of course proper taper where rest day before, walking only 2 days before, and easy cardio 3 days before. Days prior should be max Aerobic HR zone in case you might normally do intervals or hard runs or such.
Lifting Mon or Tue last chance if event is on Sun.
You will gain needed glucose stores with water - in other words, LBM, weight, metabolism will increase, ect. Go with it, good weight.
Enjoy your refeed on post event, avoid the scales until your next valid weigh-in day, start deficit back up day after.0 -
Well the nature of the event depends on who you ask.
. My friends- a fun thing for a Saturday morning, compared to others they've done. Me- my first real true fitness test and I want to rock it. I'm sure glad I posed the question- I didn't even consider cutting back on workouts beforehand; thought practice made perfect and I'd want to keep those up. Thanks for your insight, and any others that add on, too! 0 -
Nothing more to add to what heybales has, other than good luck!
Locking so we can track active threads. Please PM either myself or SideSteel if you want to comment further and we will unlock so you can. Please also include a link to this thread in the PM.0
This discussion has been closed.