I am a night owl…yet I find I do not run well at night. I do my best training in the morning, go figure, I hate getting up early. Last year when I was getting ready for the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, I researched fueling up since I am not used to running so late at night. As a part of a Virtual Blog Hop I am hosting with DISTherapy, I give you my tips on how to fuel up for a night race.
Leading up to the race, the most important thing is in your training, start testing out what you plan on eating leading up to and during the race. Easy to digest foods tend to give runners the least issues, and everyone is different so this is personal and trial and error. My normal during the race regimen is to drink water at every water station, if its hot, I do water then electrolyte beverage rotation every other stop. I like GU and Blocks and take them 15 minutes prior to start, then every 45 minutes with water. That is what works for me.
I did a little research to try to help out others who are wondering what to do and came up with the following tips:
I know when I was planning the Wine and Dine Race day last year, I had no idea WHAT to eat. I ate a hearty kids meal breakfast of eggs, fruit and Mickey Waffle. For lunch sushi was on the menu. I had a vegetarian roll and some potstickers. I snacked on a banana and yogurt and carried a bagel with peanut butter to the start. We sat around a while before lining up and I ate the bagel and sipped my water. It did seem to work well however at mile 11, my legs started to cramp up, so I know I could have done better. My on course regimen is Gu gel every 15 minutes prior to race start then every 45 minutes seemed to keep me going.
Here are some tips I found for race day which I will be following for the runDisney Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 miler:
You have trained, so during the race, stick with what works for you! I tried sports beans once towards the end of a race and my stomach cramped up, learned my lesson the hard way. Do NOT try any new food on race day. By staying safe with what you know you will finish strong and be able to enjoy the after party.
What tips do you have for those running their first night race regarding fuel?
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Thank you for sharing what worked well for you. This will be my first night time race and i’m pretty nervous about how I should be fueling! -M
I just can’t train at night…. its really hard to figure it out. Good luck..its gonna be fun and “only” 10 miles!
Hey there co-host! You did a great job summing up the trials and tribulations of fueling for a night race. (Perhaps I would add the supreme self-control it takes not to gorge at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the days leading to the race?!) I agree, race fueling is such a personal and trail by error issue; because EVERY runDisney event I have ever raced is in “hotter than usual temperatures”, I have started bring Snyder’s Organic Honey Whole Wheat Pretzels with me. Salt keeps those cramps at bay in the killer humidity- maybe you can give this a try prior to the Tower 10-Miler. Thanks for everything Julie. You are such a gem!!!
DIStherapy recently posted…The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Thriller
Good tips! I’m always confused on what to eat for night races. I forgot we had sushi last year!
Thanks Tania..the sushi was GREAT…. Overall I did pretty well, hoping this year I finish strong, but night time really throws me off.
Julie @RunWalkFastpass recently posted…How to Fuel For a Night Race
I really enjoy running at night, but I’ve found that getting fueling right is probably the most difficult part. It seems good old pasta about 4-5 hours before I run, and then Clif Shot Bloks during the run is what works for me 🙂
Becky recently posted…Things to Carry with you When you Run: Tower of Terror 10 miler blog hop
I like the shot blocks too! Pasta is great, I think most people think they can eat as much as they want…. which could lead to some extra bathroom trips LOL. No thanks!
Last year’s Wine and Dine was my first night race – the sushi lunch and bagel with peanut butter about an hour before worked really well for me! I will remind you to drink, drink, drink Saturday during the day 🙂
Kristen @ The Smith Summary recently posted…Dropping In? #Tower10Miler Transportation Options
Yep, 6-8 ounces every 2 hours! Plus I have started paying attention to my liquids now, so I don’t end up in a deficit!
Great advice! I’m thinking through my fueling plan for the Tower of Terror 10-Miler and this was exactly what I needed to focus!
Can’t wait to see you there!
Purveyor of Pixie Dust recently posted…Celebrate Your Run ~ Villain Style!
Me either! Its really important when doing something different to have a plan is my thought. I can’t wait for this villainous good time with you!
Last year for Wine and Dine we shared a turkey sandwich at around 5pm and that was very helpful in keeping us fueled through the race. I also had my usual peanut butter on an English muffin about an hour before the start and a banana…..always a banana!
Oh yes, I love my bananas! There was a lot of waiting around at the W&D, so it was good I had my brown bag! See y’all there, I am excited for my first TOT!