The FastDay Forum

[janeg]

I don't run! well I do but it's only to the loo!
However, my non diving daughter does and she is out here in the sandpit all signed up to do a half marathon.
The quandary is to do with eating. At home, she eats and runs much later, but here, the half marathon kicks off at half six in the morning so it doesn't cook the competitors.
So, any suggestions on what to eat and when?
From my reading here, it would seem that a complex carbs and protein meal as late as poss is the way to go, BUT what do I know? I'm only a mammy
So, all you lovely fit people who run distances, can you advise please?
We're also travelling to it and staying in a hotel , so that mught complicate things even further...

[carieoates]

wish I could help, my friend is doing the London Marathon this year and is up to 18k tomorrow. @Maryannshould be able to help at least. All I know from another marathoner friend is that marathon runners cant get enough carbs down them.

I think we need a call out to @CreakyPete

General advice is to stick with what you know your stomach is used to - as you know, it's the early start that complicates things as eating that early will be out of the norm. Probably being well rested will be a bit difficult too.

Sending very best wishes for a good run. I hope she enjoys herself.

Hi, the best thing to do is to stock up on carbohydrates the night before such as wholewheat pasta in a tomato sauce with chicken as that energy will be needed for the race. On the morning of the race you can use things such as carbohydrate gels that you get from running shops ( try before race day as some can upset stomachs) to give you a boost without having to digest food and anything high in protein such as a small protein bar or shake 1 1/2 before will help. Hope this helps....

Pete will know more than me. I'm still a novice. I stop eating an hour before the race or a bit longer. I eat lots of carbs the day before. I think serious long distance runners maybe carb load longer. Hydration is also important, of course.

Rule #1 for any long race is DON'T introduce anything new into to your normal eating routine within a day or so of the race.

[janeg]

Thanks all. It's the timimgs that are making it challenging.
And the heat, although it is pouring with rain and a tad chilly at the moment

I just wanted to add, when I do early morning 10Ks, I eat a banana before the race. I've never had such an early start time, though.

Most of our races here start early, because of the summer heat.
I get up and have 2 slices of wholewheat toast with honey and a cup of tea.
Then with the driving to the venue, getting registered etc. etc. it is up to 2 hours later when the race actually starts, never had a problem.
I use coke and water mixed 50 / 50 at the water points.
All the best to your daughter on race day.

[janeg]

Thanks Brian, she's been not well and may not actually get to run. Big disappointment if that's the case.

Sorry, just got here too late and the others have given you all the advice I would have.
Hope she is well enough to run but also hope she doesn't run just because she does not want to miss this event - there will be other opportunities so her welfare must come first!

Good luck if she does run...

[janeg]

Thanks Pete- message duly passed on! I'm a wee bit concerned that she'll not be fit enough

Fit enough is not a problem! - it merely indicates pain and slowness will be the reward, illness is a different matter and you don't run when you are ill...

Has it already happened? My daughter also says to carb load for a few days before hand, if she is running that is. She and her partner also load up in the morning with wholegrain toast, sweet topping of their choice, banana's and smoothies.

[janeg]

@CreakyPete fit enough as in too ill! She felt better yesterday so we went out but she' s had a bad night and is really not great today.
@julieathome it's on Friday - valentine's day (boak/vomit) She isn't going to be well enough for it. Her friend is coming up for it so she'll be running on her own. We're staying in Ras Al Kaimah the night before and the night of the race so it'll be a wee mini break. Different bed for her