What to Eat Before a Marathon

Video Transcript

"So, what to eat before running a marathon. That's very important because you're going to be out there for 26.2 miles and you want to make sure that you have the proper nutrition for running such a long distance. So, there's a process that's called carbo-loading, and a few days before the marathon you really want to focus on eating mostly foods that are high in carbohydrates. So the carbohydrates turn into what is called glucose. Glucose is a kind of sugar that gives you the energy that you will need to help sustain you over a 26 mile race. But in addition to, say, carbo-loading, say, two or three days before the actual marathon, you also want to make sure that you're getting enough liquids in, that you're hydrating well. So, if you're running a marathon where you know that weather's going to be very, very hot, it's going to be very, very humid, you want to make sure that you're well hydrated, not only with water, but also some kind of electrolyte drink. And there are many types of energy drinks that are on the market today. And even during the marathon, at the volunteer aid stations along the course, there are volunteers out there who are giving the runners these types of electrolyte drinks which help get them through the marathon. So, the morning of your marathon, you're excited, you're ready to go, you're ready to run, but you're wondering should you eat something. So, it's been my experience that I've carbohydrated with rich carbohydrates of pasta, potatoes two days before, and the morning of the marathon I usually eat maybe like a power bar, a banana, or bagel, get in some more liquids. I don't normally eat like a large breakfast because I don't... really don't think that's going to personally benefit me, but for some other runners they may feel they have to eat a breakfast with food....food with a bit more substance, maybe an oatmeal breakfast or something like that. But I find from my experience that maybe a banana or power bar along with some extra water or electrolyte drinks tend to get me ready for...for my marathon distance. Again, it depends on who the individual is in terms of how much you eat the morning of the marathon."