tekhna

I am really scared of getting side cramps in the running portion, as I almost always always do if I have food or water within 30 minutes or so of running, and I am worried about eating or drinking on the bike, although I am know I am going to need to. It's just not safe to go without the water, and I will need the food at some point. I am wondering what you guys eat that sticks with you the longest, so I can avoid eating as much as possible during the race.
I am off to swim for a bit!

rplong

If my race is in the morning the first thing I do when I wake up is eat. When I eat, I eat something familiar, and not as large portions as usual. I eat oatmeal with honey or fruit and some gatorade. By the time I am at the race it has settled down and no stomach or cramp problems occur. If you start to feel hungry before the race just eat half a powerbar or something similar.

I don't know what you are going to do since you get cramps if you have water 30 minutes within running. I think nutrition intake when exercising more than 45 minutes is crucial. So it might be something that you are going to have to get used to. If you have had one or two problems before and stopped trying to eat and drink, it might be that you are still getting used to it. So keep trying to drink some water while you ride or before you go running. Good luck and just try things out before race day so you are not so nervous and you know what to expect!

jrennie

+1 to everything rplong said

Drink a high calorie sports drink to avoid the solid foods if you cramp

Jaybird

I usually get up 2 hours b4 and eat a banana and 1/2 sandwich (peanut butter/honey) and drink Accelerade. Then I take a banana with me. The reason is alot of times the race may say its starting at 7 for example; however, depending on swim heats, you may not begin until 8...so you may need the extra food to tide you over. I try not to overdrink, as you have to go to the bathroom too much and there goes my Accelerade!!!

Ironwoman

I find that a PR shake does well for me before racing. ...Made by PR Nutrition - like the PR bar - but in powder form to make a shake. I used to eat cereal (like shredded wheat with a banana) before racing, but I've found that sticking with liquids is best for me on race day.

I also used to get a side ache/cramp if I got some of the sports drink on the course, so I used to only drink the water. That doesn't really work well for Ironman. My body has adapted, and now I have no problem drinking the Gatorade.

jennings780

About 2 hours before the race I have a PB&J sandwich.
This was recommended by Eric Harr in a few of his books (he's a pro tri guy). He explains in his book that its a great pre-workout/race meal due to the high carbs, decent amount of protien and the fat. I agree. Look to buy peanut butter or almond butter without trans fats though.
I also have a few cups of green tea the morning of.

dorepsol2

oatmeal, bagel but sometimes only half, few bites of a powerbar, water, and a sports drink