Eating for the marathon

[meganew]

I'm doing the Philly marathon this weekend (first one, nervous as hell) and stupidly I invited some friends over for dinner the night before. Then I remembered, "Oh yeah- I don't cook!"

My friends are doing the half and one is also doing the marathon. Anyone have a good recipe for the night before a race?

[texassmith]

Order pizza

[clseale]

Whenever my running group gets together for races, the traditional pasta carb load always seems to be the easiest thing to do. It's an easy people pleaser, and it's quick, so no one is in the kitchen cooking for hours. We usually just sauté some peppers and onions, throw in a lean protein and some sauce, then we make garlic bread.

Anything with chicken, rice, or sweet potatoes has been good for me in the past, but I'd keep it quick & simple. You don't want a bunch of cooking or clean up, when you should be relaxing.

Several of the girls on this board are running Philly. Good luck & have fun!!!

[gt7301b]

Pizza, soda, and beer!

[lb2006]

I always eat pizza the night before the race (usually mozz, basil, tomato) - and eat pizza the night before every long run. I say order pizza!

[clseale]

If you do pizza, I would have a second option, or at the very least, go very basic with toppings. Maybe some sides in case they only want one piece? I've eaten pizza before long runs, but I would not want it the night before a marathon. All of the cheese leaves me very thirsty the next day. It seems that whenever pizza comes up, my running group is split 50/50. It's a good option to not have to cook though! Lol

[enfuego23]

I usually eat pizza the night before - but I eat it for lunch and do a smaller meal for dinner.

Good Luck in Philly - I'll be running the Half:)

[gt7301b]

Nov 15, 2013 7:49:21 GMT -5 clseale said:

If you do pizza, I would have a second option, or at the very least, go very basic with toppings. Maybe some sides in case they only want one piece? I've eaten pizza before long runs, but I would not want it the night before a marathon. All of the cheese leaves me very thirsty the next day. It seems that whenever pizza comes up, my running group is split 50/50. It's a good option to not have to cook though! Lol

   Just pick off the extra cheese, duh

I'd really stick to whatever folks have been eating the day before their long runs.  Pizza is my go to because it is so easy, I also avoid salads cause they can cause unexpected pit stops.

[clseale]

Nov 15, 2013 8:51:53 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

Nov 15, 2013 7:49:21 GMT -5 clseale said:

If you do pizza, I would have a second option, or at the very least, go very basic with toppings. Maybe some sides in case they only want one piece? I've eaten pizza before long runs, but I would not want it the night before a marathon. All of the cheese leaves me very thirsty the next day. It seems that whenever pizza comes up, my running group is split 50/50. It's a good option to not have to cook though! Lol

   Just pick off the extra cheese, duh

Haha, I know. Pizza seems to be way more popular here then it does in my real life running group. I think the greasiness messes with people's stomachs, and the sodium leaves me bloated and thirsty. I wouldn't have any race altering issues. It would be fine if it was my only option, it's just not my first choice. 

OP, as long as you stay away from anything high fiber, I think you'll be OK.

ETA: Damn it! Now I want pizza. DH makes really yummy pizza on the nights of my long run days. 

[venice2007]

Subs and fries. I love subs before races or burger and fries

[Brit]

Cheese pizza is my go-to!

[wanderlustmom]

I am with clseale. My older sister recommended that pasta would be a bit better for my stomach. I make sure to add in carbs to most meals three days before a race.