Training & Nutrition - First XC race tomorrow!

First race tomorrow!


I’ll be hitting my first XC race tomorrow.. I’ve never done this before so I on edge. I have talked to many of the racers and rode with a few today to amp my self even more. I have done a little training (the little I know to do) and some extensive trail rides for the past month or so. I would have made more of an effort to get myself into “race shape” if I would have know about the upcoming race tomorrow.

-I was wondering for those of you who have done this before..-

What do you do the night before a race to prepare your body for the elements (heat, dehydration, strength, energy…etc).
Should I be resting?
Eating or drinking something in particular?

I have been drinking a lot of water and I have heard that it is a good idea to fill up on carbs the night before. Such as a big dinner of pasta (spegatti [sp?] with a meat sauce?)

Thx for your suggestions,

-Joe

Look for me at Castlewood Joe. I'll be in the Bikeforums jersey. :)
Riding a mostly red Giant NRS 2. See you at the race!

In case you don't know what the jerseys look like, there are some pics of members in this thread.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13275

Cool.

That's me in the avatar. I'll be in something I picked up from Wal*Mart (colors: grey, blue, black, and white)... LOL... those jerseys are a tad pricey!! Riding a black and white NRS 1.

Do you work at the Alpine shop? I talked to someone for a few that worked there with a NRS 2.

Oh yeah, what class are you going to be riding in? Beginner here if you haven’t guessed.

-Joe

What do you do the night before a race to prepare your body for the elements (heat, dehydration, strength, energy…etc).
Should I be resting?
Eating or drinking something in particular?

Yup, you're on the right track. You'll want to be hydrated, and full of carbs such as pasta. Get some complex and simple carbs in your body. You can actually start several days (I know - too late for this race!) before the race in terms of loading up on carbs, and hydrating.

Try and rest as much as possible tonight, and go into the race knowing that you are prepared!!

Good luck, and let us know about your experience!!! :thumbup:

I live in Jefferson City. And I'll be in the old, old, old guy class. :)
(No comments please) Beginner also. I've only raced one race before. That was last Fall here in JC at Binder Lake. You'll have to come down for that one too. It's a kick-a$$ trail. The race is in September.

We'll see how things go. Lord willing I wouldn't be opposed to that. And with your "old" comment.. age brings wisdom and mental strength, youth is usually attributed to stupidity and psychical strength.

I don't mind shedding the stupidity away so I can grasp some of that wisdom. ;)

-Joe

Originally posted by bac

What do you do the night before a race to prepare your body for the elements (heat, dehydration, strength, energy…etc).
Should I be resting?
Eating or drinking something in particular?

Yup, you're on the right track. You'll want to be hydrated, and full of carbs such as pasta. Get some complex and simple carbs in your body. You can actually start several days (I know - too late for this race!) before the race in terms of loading up on carbs, and hydrating.

Try and rest as much as possible tonight, and go into the race knowing that you are prepared!!

Good luck, and let us know about your experience!!! :thumbup:

Will do! I'm on my way to eating some good ol' home-made pasta in a few. And I'll be drinking and.. well, releasing the large amounts of Gatorade and water I've been consuming.

I have found that you shouldn't stuff yourself the night before. Anything light works for me: fish, chicken, whatever. Some people swear by carbo loading, but I haven't noticed much effect. I just have noticed that when I eat really heavy food(ice cream, lots of red meat) I feel bad the next day.

Also, don't try anything new the day before or the day before a race. Only eat and do things that you know the effect of before a race.

I have found that you shouldn't stuff yourself the night before.

i disagree. the night before i make sure to eat really well with long-lasting food like pasta -- i.e. the traditional cardo-loading.

i also start drinking lots of water the night before and then eat a normal big big breakfast. then i drink 1-2 liters of water on the way to the race (just make sure you pee just before the start so you don't have to DURING the race)

i agree about not trying anything new. try out all the bars and powders and whatnot BEFORE the race.

the only problem can be when you get your bars from the "filling station" you just have to take what's there. then it's a question of saving the weight and risking the other bars or carrying a few extra grams to have your own.

I eat as much as I can the day boefore..Because I cannot eat anything before the race, especially if it starts in the morning..If I do, I get terrible cramps, plus I have to use the loo. So I usually jsut drink gatorade before the event, and then a Red Bull type thing 20 minutes or so before the start..

I ended up eating a pizza the night before and drank around 2 gallons of Gatorade. The race registration started at 9:00am and I was on the phone with my brother until 2:00am. I got up at 8:30am ate a bowl of cereal and two eggs and was off. On the way to the race I drank about another liter of Gatorade...

With all that prep. I came in first place. First place my first race!:D :D

-Joe

way to go Joe!

so are you moving up to the next class? i'm guessing you were in the beginner class?

next time i'd recommend more sleep but sounds like you did well enough anyhow :)

Congrats!