Pre race nosh

[Fionn42]

I’m entered into my first ever race in early May - a flat 10k and I’d really appreciate some advice on the best way to prepare in terms of eating the night before and on the morning of the run. I’m a veggie and will be staying in a B and B so will have relatively limited options in that I won’t be at home with access to kitchen gear and food stores!

Many thanks oh wise ones!

[misswobble Graduate10]

I have wholewheat pasta, spinach and salmon for dinner. Breakfast would be a bowl of porridge with honey about 1.5 hours before the race. Take a banana with you to the race in case you get hungry or if there’s a delay to the start

Good luck. Have fun! 👍😃

[Fionn42 in reply to misswobble]

Many thanks for the good advice! I think the porridge is a great idea and hopefully available at my lovely B and B.

[Anniemurph Graduate10]

What time does your race start? Are you close to the start, or do you still have to travel? If I'm away and it's an early start (so no breakfast), I take those ready porridge thingies with me. I don't normally use them but if you get the ones that only need boiling water, you can prepare that in your room. That and a banana and I'm good to go! For the night before, it's always pasta

Good luck, and enjoy Looking forward to your race report and photos of your bling!

[Fionn42 in reply to Anniemurph]

Thanks for this. I’m staying about a 20 minute walk away and I think my wave will start around 10:30 so plenty of time for an early breakfast. I’m very much looking forward to my very first bling 😁👍😊 - fingers crossed!

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

I don't think it matters too much for a 10k. I came home last night and I was starving so has a couple of oat bars and a pot noodle thing(naked noodle) then did my 10k after about an hour. Had one of those SIS gels about halfway just to wet my mouth really, don't really feel I need them at 10k but it's a sugary treat for halfway.

For a morning run I just have a small bowl of porridge with some berries or banana. I just eat healthy and don't worry about extra carbs unless i'm doing a gym day.

[Fionn42 in reply to pinkaardvark]

I’ve not tried gels yet - don’t feel I qualify in terms of distance yet! I think the oats/porridge sound like the way to go to keep up my energy levels on the morning of the race, so thanks for the advice 😁

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

I don't have anything special the night before, just make sure it's nothing spicy, too heavy or a new fish dish! But I do drink lots of water during the day and skip my glass of wine if it's a drink night 🍷

If it's a morning race then it's my usual breakfast, porridge with linseed and honey and two mugs of tea. And a glass of water.

If it's a night race then that's slightly different. Same routine but something light about 2 hours beforehand.

Don't try anything new before a race. Just stick to what you know works for you.

Good luck and enjoy the race. I hope there's bling 🏅

[Fionn42 in reply to Irishprincess]

Great advice, thanks! It’s a morning race thank goodness - not sure my nerves would cope with the all day anticipation before a night run! 😱