Archive for July, 2008
Jul
31
NO NO’s in a runner’s diet… only close to race day, though, of course
Posted by: | CommentsEveryone knows that runners burn calories like crazy, so obviously they deserve to eat some junk food at some point, but 3-4 days prior to race day and obviously race day itself are not good times for fatty foods. INstead, you should be loading up on Complex Carbohydrates, protein, and WATER! The following are diet NO NO’s that I have collected from runners, trainers and coaches who know from experience that these food and drink choices can minimize energy and even cause cramps…. Tell us your own running No No’s so you too can help other runners prove their skills.
-Don’t drink sodas, juices, or any other sugary drinks that can dehydrate!
- No cheese, milk or other dairy products on race day because they take longer for the body to digest because they are usually reasonably high in fat and will settle in your stomach… could cause cramps and/ or gas!
-Don’t eat too much fiber because that could cause gas/ cramps if eaten to close to your event
- Don’t eat AT ALL two hours before running, especially when it’s hot… that can cause cramps or runners trots (term for bowel movements). Just sip on water to keep hydrated
- Don’t drink too much water in a small amount of time… this is just as dangerous as not drinking enough water!
Jul
31
Race Day Jitters… What to eat to achieve your maximum energy
Posted by: | CommentsBy Race day you should already be well hydrated and should already be eating a diet that mainly consists of complex carbohydrates and protein, but as a runner I know that race day can sneak up on you and you realize you aren’t well prepared, but DON”T PANICK! Read these race day energy tricks that I have collected from coaches, runners- distance and sprinters- and trainers from all over… and dont forget to share your own ideas and experiences with us!
- Eat a healthy, medium sized breakfast that will keep you full for hours, but not large enough that it will stay unsettled in your stomach
- Sip on Water (don’t drink too heavily or it will sit in your stomach) all day until your race
-Eat a banana for breakfast or a couple of hours before your race (potassium is a form of electrolytes)
-Eat light carbs for breakfast… Nature Valley Oats and Honey Granola Bars are great
-Take a shot of honey right before running… gives a little boost of energy
-Oatmeal for breakfast… protein, carbs, whole grain all in one
-Pancakes, waffles or toast for breakfast… some say eating normally (not having a special race-day breakfast) can be beneficial.. tricks your body into not getting as nervous
-Eat Nutritional, healthy snacks on race day until about two hours before you run (for those in afternoon events) such as nuts, oranges and bananas, pretzels, granola bars, cut up veggies… nothing fattening!
Jul
31