The Chicago Marathon is on Sunday, which means that the pre-competition last supper is coming up soon. If you really want to carbohydrate load (i.e. take in gigantic portions of carbohydrate at dinnertime), it's best to do that two nights before (which would be Friday night in the instance). The night before a race, carbohydrates are important, but don't get too crazy - be sure to include good portions of protein and also a little healthy fat to prepare your muscles overnight and help you get a good night's sleep.
And keep in mind that a pre-competition meal is not just important for marathon runners. We are in full swing of fall sports, so all athletes from soccer and football to cycling and tennis should heed the importance of the pre-competition meal.
But what to eat? Ideally, your meal will include high carbohydrate, moderate protein, and low fat. Here are some great meal ideas - choose one that includes foods you are comfrortable with. These meals would be ideal either one or two days before - just adjust how much carbohydrate you are taking in depending on which day you choose to enjoy them!
Meal 1: Chili with beans, rice or pasta, lemonade or juice, sherbert or frozen yogurt for desert
Meal 2: Grilled chicken sandwich, baked potato, iced tea, frozen fruit bar for desert
Meal 3: Pizza with mushrooms or other veggies, salad with veggies, breadsticks, soft drink (be careful with this one unless you tolerate carbonation VERY well before a race)
Meal 4: Pasta with vegetables, italian roll, strawberries, iced tea
Meal 5: Turkey sub, low-fat chips, apple, sports drink
Meal 6: Rice with vegetables and black beans, salad with veggies, fruit cup, low-fat milk
Meal 7: Cereal with banana and granola, whole-wheat toast with jam, orange juice [who says you can't have breakfast for dinner?]
Source: Eberle, SG Endurance Sports Nutrition
Stick with one of the above, and you're well on your way to a great race, game, or match!
Be Extraordinary,
RDKate
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