Nutrition & Hydration in the week before a marathon

event

I am running my first marathon next Sunday, the Limerick one. I have read an awful lot, mostly contradicting, about nutrition & hydration in the week before.
So I thought I would ask the most knowledgeable people I know, the boards.ie Running forum

I have my breakfast of the day sorted, same as what I usually have before my LSR's. Night before will be pasta.

But i there anything I should stock up on in this coming week? I am working night shifts, usually I would have in a normal day/night:

Oven cooked chicken, brown rice, peppers as a main meal
Oat cakes
Bananas
Activia Yoghurts

Ill hopefully take on 2 litres of water a day too.

Would this be enough or is there anything I should change?

Krusty_Clown

You don't need much by way of food in the week before the race (up until the final two days before the marathon), as you will not be doing heavy mileage. Focus instead on trying to get as much rest as possible, iron out any niggles (foam roller, physio) and just eat healthy. In the final two days before the race, make sure you stay very well hydrated, increase your carbohydrate intake (in proportion to protein and fats). For the final two days, don't over-eat. Just ensure that you never go hungry. Better to eat smaller portions more regularly than large over-sized portions of food. Carry a bottle of water (and fruit juice if you find it helps) and sip regularly. There's no real rocket science, just common sense.

event

Cool. I was thinking that sorta but just wanted to make sure there wasn't some secret trick I was missing :pac:

Krusty_Clown

Secret tricks? The day before my last marathon (last week) I drank most of a litre of beetroot juice (diluted with water). Supposed to improve stamina and enhance efficient oxygen use. Absolutely vile stuff and I'm sure it did absolutely nothing for me (apart from turn my pee pink!). But the marathon went well, so I am probably forever bound to produce expensive pink pee for future marathons. There is no substitute for sensible hard training.

Gavlor

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Secret tricks? The day before my last marathon (last week) I drank most of a litre of beetroot juice (diluted with water). Supposed to improve stamina and enhance efficient oxygen use. Absolutely vile stuff and I'm sure it did absolutely nothing for me (apart from turn my pee pink!). But the marathon went well, so I am probably forever bound to produce expensive pink pee for future marathons. There is no substitute for sensible hard training.

We are still awaiting the results of the b sample

thewolf_ie

I have an organic beet juice everyday with carrot and apple with some ginger. I had the pink urine at the start but that stops. I noticed I had more stamina and recovery was better. Try some wheatgrass too! I would have been trying out this months ago but the juices will give you energy. Best of luck.