Need advice on: eating before a big race

mssoulrebel_77
mssoulrebel_77 Posts: 79
in Fitness and Exercise
So I have my first 15k coming up on Saturday. I've done a handful of 5ks, one 10k... but this is my first true long distance race. Any tips/advice on what to eat the night/morning before? And also what NOT to eat?

Replies

  • TimeWarp9
    TimeWarp9 Posts: 91
    Main advice, DON'T eat anything that you haven't tried before a run before - want to avoid any stomach issues!

    What do you do on your shorter runs? Toast and peanut butter (but not too much PB) the morning of worked for me. Hydrate well for several days before, maybe up your carbs a bit the night before, eat some combo of protein and carbs the morning of.

    Some suggestions: bagel, hard boiled egg, lean meat (chicken, for instance) banana

    Just avoid anything greasy or that will not sit well in your stomach while you're running.
  • ellrunner21
    ellrunner21 Posts: 4 Member
    I've had the same dilemma as you in the past on big runs and often got confused by the breadth of advice out there ... "you must eat this" "don't eat this" !! I did the same with drinking during races and often finished feeling sick and water-logged.

    My only advice would echo the other comment - don't try anything new. Just do what you'd normally do before a training run as if it worked there, it'll work for you in the race. I never take on any drinks around the course now that I haven't tried during training, and I don't stand on the start line shovelling down bananas and carb gels as I wouldn't do that on a normal Sunday morning run.

    I tend to include carbs in my evening meal the night before but not a massive amount, just some wholewheat pasta with salad and some fish or chicken, then I will eat a bowl of porridge at least 3 hours before the race and a couple of rice cakes with jam about 45 minutes before.

    Hope this helps and best of luck for Saturday!!
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    There is really no need for additional fueling for a 15k. You'll be fine with whatever you normally do.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    I usually eat an english muffin with peanut butter before my 5Ks. It sits really well for me.

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