Race Food Hints

Here's a great blog I found on race food. I myself have learned that you need to be very careful the day before the race on what you eat or you will feel it at the most inconvenient time on race day! These are funny and very true suggestions and hints
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Leslie's Race Food Rules
04/23/2010 12:02 PM
Hi everyone,

I just got back from Boston... not to run, but to talk to the marathoners. And I also had the opportunity to read Mark Remy's book, The Runner's Rule Book. It is insightful, spot-on, and funny. So that leads me to my blog topic for this week: Race Food Rules.

Here they are, in no particular order.

1. Race eating starts three days before your event. There's no need to shovel in pasta the night before your race; instead, try eating a little more at each meal in the days leading up to your event -- 1/2 cup more cereal, an extra piece of fruit, etc.

2. NEVER eat anything new on race day or the day or two before. If you want to try the latest gel, block, bar, drink, or ostrich sausage, take it home and try it after the race.

3. Do not put anything in your mouth that is on a tongue depressor!

4. During a race, the liquid goes in your mouth. Do not dump it on yourself or on someone else. Remember, Gatorade's slogan is, "Is it in you?" Not "Is it ON you?" (Or on someone else.)

5. Watch where you throw empty gel packs. Flying foil can be shrapnel!

6. Do not carry sticky foods with you unless you want to be a bee magnet.

7. Be very careful with food/fluid offered on the course unless it is someone you know, or you are at a fluid station.

8. Do not under any circumstances use your race as a buffet. If there are pierogies (a Pittsburgh thing), ribs, Champagne, fried foods, cheesecake, or other delicacies, they may look great to you but chances are your gut will issue a warning sooner than later!

9. Postrace, remember that there are lots of starving runners. So take a little food and move on.

10. Before you toast a job well done with Champagne, beer, wine, margaritas, or all of the above, do rehydrate and eat something. Otherwise your body is going to be a little unhappy with you the next day.

Happy racing!

Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN


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