Race day success is the culmination of training and the precise implementation of effective nutrition and hydration strategies. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply looking to finish strong, the fuel you provide your body can make a significant difference. 

This article explores essential nutritional tactics and hydration tips to help runners optimize their performance on the big day.

How to Fuel Before the Race 

Pre-race nutrition starts well before the morning of the event. In the days leading up to the race, focus on carbohydrate loading, which involves increasing the percentage of carbs in your diet while tapering your workouts. This helps maximize the storage of glycogen (energy) in your muscles.

• What to Eat: Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, pasta, rice, and potatoes. These foods provide a slow and steady release of energy. With 28-31g of carbs in each bar, real food bars like Made with Local are an excellent option for some fast fuel.
• When to Eat: Have your last big, carb-rich meal the night before the race. On race morning, eat a simple, high-carb breakfast 2-3 hours before starting, such as oatmeal or a bagel with peanut butter, to top off your energy stores.

Hydration Before and During the Race: 

Hydration should be a focus during the race and the days leading up to it. Start hydrating several days before the race to ensure you’re well-hydrated on the starting line.

Choose to hydrate with the options that will be available on the course. For example, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon uses Nuun on the course, so we’d recommend practicing fueling with Nuun during your training and before the event.  

• Before the Race: Drink plenty of water and electrolytes the days before the race. Avoid alcohol, as it can dehydrate you.
• During the Race: Use hydration stations to maintain hydration levels, sipping on water or Nuun containing electrolytes. This is particularly crucial in longer races, where sweat loss can significantly affect performance and health.

What to Eat During the Race? 

Nutrition on the Run: 

Maintaining energy during the race is crucial, especially for events longer than 60 minutes. Consuming carbohydrates during the race can help maintain good blood glucose levels, vital for sustaining performance.

Again, try to practice with what will be available on the race course, or be prepared to carry your own nutrition. The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon offers GU gels on course, so we’d recommend practicing fueling with these during your longer runs. 

• Energy Gels and Chews: These are easy to carry and can quickly provide a burst of energy. Aim to consume a gel approximately every 45 minutes during the race.
• Sports Drinks: These can serve a dual purpose by providing hydration and a quick source of energy through carbohydrates. If you prefer to use your own sports drink, we’d recommend bringing a bottle and using the stations on the course for water. 

Post-Race Recovery: 

After crossing the finish line, the recovery process begins. Eating the proper nutrients after the race can help repair muscles, replenish energy stores, and reduce inflammation.

• Immediate Recovery Meal: Within 30 minutes of finishing, consume a meal or snack rich in carbohydrates and protein. A 3:1 ratio (carbs to protein) is often recommended. Options include a fruit smoothie with whey protein, a turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread, or a rice bowl with lean protein.
• Hydration: After the race, continue to hydrate to replace fluid losses. Water, sports drinks, and even milk are good options. We love a good post-race chocolate milk! 

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Effective nutrition and hydration strategies are pivotal for achieving peak performance on race day. By carefully planning your pre-, during-, and post-race nutrition, you can enhance your energy levels, optimize performance, and speed up recovery. 

Remember, practicing these strategies during training runs is crucial to ensure they work for you on race day. Here’s to a successful and energized run!