How to fuel for a 5K or any race for that matter.
I'll be running my first 5K in May and have been wondering how to fuel my body for it. I'll take water and powerade zero for during and after, but was wondering what type of breakfast do most runners have prior to a race and what to consume after.
HW 254 SW 247 CW 162 GW 145
First 5K 37:48
First Trail 1/2 Marathon 3hr 30min
First Regular 1/2 Marathon 3hr 7min
1/2 Marathon 5/20/12 3hr 6min
During the race, you really don't need anything. You won't need to supplement until you start exercising for over an hour. If it's a morning race, a light breakfast of perhaps oatmeal or a begal with peanut butter a couple hours before the race. I personally can't eat anything before I race but most people have a light breakfast.
After the race, again, you should not need too much but something with some carbs and protein will help. I eat some post-race food at the event and call it good.
After the race, again, you should not need too much but something with some carbs and protein will help. I eat some post-race food at the event and call it good.
Scott
Link to my running journal
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1303681
4 full's - 14 halves - 2 goofy's and one Mt. Washington!
Link to my running journal
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1303681
4 full's - 14 halves - 2 goofy's and one Mt. Washington!
Like Scott said, you won't need anything special.
Eat and drink like you normally do before you go workout.
Your body has enough stores to carry you through an hour of exercise.
Once you go past that hour then you should begin to look into energy replacement during workout.
As for what to eat before or for breakfast. Eat the same thing you usually do.
When I know I'm going to be out for more than an hour or I have a big race, I like to use oatmeal, peanut butter, bagels, bananas. Some combination of those items.
You want something that is gong to be easily digested, you don't want a lump sitting in your stomach, that makes for uncomfortable running. Eat far enough in advance that you will have digested the food and possibly used the facilities. Then I will have a bite or two of a powerbar or a couple sports beans or a gel right before the race, but not a huge quantity.
Whatever you decide, you need to test it before race day. Never try anything new on the day of the race.
I suggest trying it at home, that worked? Then try it on a short run, then on a longer run etc. Make sure it isn't going to make you sick or detract from your race.
Good luck
Scott
Eat and drink like you normally do before you go workout.
Your body has enough stores to carry you through an hour of exercise.
Once you go past that hour then you should begin to look into energy replacement during workout.
As for what to eat before or for breakfast. Eat the same thing you usually do.
When I know I'm going to be out for more than an hour or I have a big race, I like to use oatmeal, peanut butter, bagels, bananas. Some combination of those items.
You want something that is gong to be easily digested, you don't want a lump sitting in your stomach, that makes for uncomfortable running. Eat far enough in advance that you will have digested the food and possibly used the facilities. Then I will have a bite or two of a powerbar or a couple sports beans or a gel right before the race, but not a huge quantity.
Whatever you decide, you need to test it before race day. Never try anything new on the day of the race.
I suggest trying it at home, that worked? Then try it on a short run, then on a longer run etc. Make sure it isn't going to make you sick or detract from your race.
Good luck
Scott