what to eat for a 7pm race?

[billh]

I get off work at 5pm and have the weekly practice criteriums at a local park at 7pm once a week. I am usually pretty hungry but not sure what to eat so I don't get sick at the race. Last week I stopped at a local deli and had a meatball sandwich. Big mistake, almost blew chunks during the race. All my other races are morning or noon starts and I usually have eggs and fruit 2-3 hours before. Any suggestions?

[bigskymacadam]

i usually ate a late protein shake w. bananas and peanut butter at around three or four pm. then have a gel before the race.

[billh]

Good idea. I could try that next week, didn't bring anything today. Pretty much limited by what I can buy at the deli or convenience store. Maybe just a power or granola bar and some gatoraide, then something with some protein in it that won't make me sick.

[bigskymacadam]

ask the folks in the road bike racing forum too. they might have some good suggestions too.

[DannoXYZ]

Eat at 5pm and you should be fine by 7pm.

[Carbonfiberboy]

2 hours before my evening workout, I eat about 3/4 cup (300 kcal or so) of mixed peanuts, raisins, and M&Ms (my hiking gorp). But anything like that would work. Then, 1/2 hour later, I have about 100 kcal of whey protein. I have a recovery drink after and then dinner.

[SteveE]

How long is the race? Do you really need to eat beforehand? Why not just eat afterward

[billh]

It is only a 30 minute race but all out. The only reason I feel like eating is because I'm hungry at 5pm, really hungry. I eat lunch at 11am and snack at 3pm. If I don't eat at 5pm, then it is about 8:30pm before I get home.

Last week the food court at work was still open and I found a pasta salad and a fresh fruit salad of mostly melon. That was good but I also ate the "big cookie", which was a mistake. Didn't finish meal until 5:30. I think the cookie was a mistake because I felt low on energy at the start. Next race, I will plan ahead and bring fruit and protein drink to eat at 4pm, delayed snack time.

[slim_77]

I like biksky's advice. If you get that hungary by 5, stock up at three and snack/gel it prior to the race it is easier to digest the simple carbs...that will carry you over happy as a clam...provided you win, that is.:D