Training & Nutrition - morning of race - the ??? of food/digestion/performance

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Seattleblu
09-14-03, 09:52 PM
I ask this in light of having raced this weekend and found myself losing around a minute toward then end due to an upset stomach that was happy after pulling over and barfing - felt great afterwards.

The only thing I had that morning (2 hours in advance) was a cliff bar and one bite of a powerbar and plenty o' water. Drank Cytomax during the race (15 miler straight up a mountain).

I have trouble eating at all early in the morning, so what should I eat/drink to avoid this in the future. I need the strength to ride, but can't seem to muster up the appetite.

Thanks.

djpluv
09-20-03, 08:49 AM
what kind of race? crit? road race? are you getting a good warm up?

it's taking me a few races to learn how to eat before a race. after much trial and error (stomach aches, etc.) I ended up with the following:

night before - good calories and carbs (pasta, some bread, protein..and a martini :) )

3 hours before start time - bowl of muesli and a peanut butter sandwich

45 minutes before - powergel

I stay hydrated throughout the whole time and usually quit drinking about half an hour before the start.

Once the race starts I will start drinking water and alternate with my accelerade. I did one race with nothing but accelerade...big mistake...i felt sick and rode like crap...nothing like some good ol' water during a race.

something like this might work for you, but after some trial and error you will find what works best...perhaps you should eat something a little more substantial than a clif bar...and not so close to start time.

Don't forget to take into consideration your diet and hydration in the days leading up to the race, too.

Good luck - Paul
Seattleblu
09-20-03, 08:32 PM
Thanks for the helpful advice.

It was a road race up ski resort road.

I need to get more sleep before a race, which may have been one factor. A good bottle of water would be good also as I only had cytomax.

Through trial and error, I'll iron it out. It may also help to eat breakfast on a regular basis, which I don't do for the same reasons as stated below - nothing sounds good at 6:00 AM.