The stomach butterflies kick in as I lace up my sneakers and pin my race number on my running shorts. The last thing on my mind is what to eat for breakfast. It may not seem important at the moment but eating a healthy, substantial meal prior to a race can make all the difference in the world.
Carb It Up!..Make sure to eat a diet high in carbohydrates. Eek carbs? Aren’t we supposed to limit those? Yes and no. Carbs are an essential element in producing energy. A training diet should include 60% carbs, 20-30% proteins and 10-20% fats. Healthy high carb foods include pasta, bread, rice, cereals, couscous, fruits and veggies. Also, pay attention to complex carbs, foods like barley, oatmeal, bran and buckwheat.
Watch Your Consumption..Limit your alcohol and fat consumption. Beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks will dehydrate. Fatty foods fill your stomach fast and leave muscles with no fuel.
Breakfast of Champions..Eat a normal breakfast before a race, one to three hours before it begins. Eat familiar foods, don’t try something new before your race.
Drink, Drink, Drink..Drink plenty of fluids before and during the race. Typically you want to drink fluids every 15 minutes (make sure to hit up each and every water station). Also, sodium depletion can be an issue with runners so you can also drink a sports beverage for refueling. Gatorade is a great option.
Urban Girl Fitness Quote of the Day:
Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?’ ~Peter Maher
