Question for the marathoners...

Well, I'm about 2.5 days away from the big one - yikes. My goal is to finish in 5:58. If I do I do, if I don't I don't. Heck, I'm just expecting pain.

Anyhoo, how do you eat in the days leading up to the race? Today and tomorrow and my scheduled higher carb days with Saturday being somewhat carby but more focus on hydration (read it on Hal Higdon).

Any tried and true tips?

No advice, just wishing you lots of luck, good weather, and a fun day! You rock kitten!
Jan

 lots of luck!  I don't know if it helped, but given that I stay pretty low carb most of the time, I enjoy having whole wheat pastas, potatoes and wheat bread in the days  leading up to the big races.  (don't tell anyone but sometimes I even sneak in some simple carbs like i.c.e. c.r.e.a.m....)  

The day before, for sure, keep it safe, don't do anything out of the ordinary and drink up.  Last thing you need is gastric issues from trying something new before the big race :)

i didn't really do anything drastic, just added a couple of extra carbs that i normally eat and i know will not hurt my stomach like pretzels, granola bars, and wheat bread/dinner rolls etc.  i would guess i added maybe 300 to 400 extra calories over a day and a half prior (mostly 2 days prior). the day before i kept it simple and normal with just a little bit extra in the carb arena.  best of luck on the race and meeting your goal!

What everyone said, however, regarding hydration, do NOT just drink water!!! You will create an electrolyte imbalance. Drink a sports drink and feel free to add some extra salt to your food the next couple of days, especially if it is going to be warm on race day! Best of luck!!!

About 3 days out I increase my carb intake then decrease it every meal until the night before the race when I am back at my normal eating routine.

What you read from Hal is very similar to what I'm talking about and it was also recommended by one of the former Ironman triathletes as his preferred method as well.

Scott