Question for 5K Runners

BelovedHeather

BelovedHeather

Cathlete
What do you eat before a 5K race? I drank 2 servings of pink lemonade Emergen-C an hour and a half before the starting time. I had first race butterflies and was a little nervous about eating solid food less than 48 hours after having a stomach bug. I did fine since I walked the hills, but I think I will need more fuel when I run one all the way! I was definitely tired and hungry at the end and sprinted to the finish line on pure desire!

I have to say that I am in awe of the Cheetahs who run hills and marathons. After my first 5K experience this morning, I have a deeper respect and admiration for y’all!

Blessings,
Heather B.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).
 
Back in the day when I used to run 5ks, I would eat a yogurt and a banana beforehand.

HTH!

Congratulations on your victory! Yay for you! :D;):D:eek:

Susan L.G.
 
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Hi Heather,

I ran a 5K this morning. I usually have my regular Saturday morning breakfast which is 2 whole wheat waffles, 2 veggie sausages and juice. Sometimes I'll have a banana too. I also try to drink water too, especially in the summer months.

Congratulations on your first race!!
 
First of all...WTG, girl on your first 5K!! I'm so happy for you!:D
As far as what to eat before a run, it is best to experiment with what your tummy can handle. Do this during a training run and not on a race day so you will know ahead of time. Before a 3 mile run, *I* would have half of a banana. If the run is a longer distance, I might add yogurt with the banana. Then you can always take "GU" with you on a long run to have with gatorade or water.

Congrats, my friend!:D
 
I used to have oatmeal and a banana. But you do have to experiment to find what works for you. Also, for me, nothing within an hour before a race.

Jo
 
Heather... Congratulations, girl! WAY TO GO! I am so proud of you and happy for you that you accomplished this!

I run 5K every day, usually in the morning. I always eat a bowl of cereal and a banana before I run. I drink water too, but my main thing is getting good calories in me before I run.
 
congrats on you race!

What an accomplishment! I love the 5k.

To answer your question: I like to eat 1 cup of rolled oats (old fashioned oatmeal, not instant) mixed with 1/2 cup steel cut oats mixed with Stevia and lots of cinnamon. Those are cooked measurements btw. I also add a whole banana to 1 cup of nonfat whipped cottage cheese and then I drink 16 oz of water. I get up extra early before the race and eat about 1.5 - 2 hours before the start time. I also do a final bathroom check before I leave my house to go to the race site.

Good luck on your future races.
 
Hey, Heather --
CONGRATULATIONS!!! For years DH & I have eaten half a bagel with peanut butter and a banana before races; it they are longer, we might eat a whole bagel. We usually eat about an hour before the race begins.

I do agree with everyone else -- you have to find what works for you. We also religiously eat pasta (white), pasta sauce (w/o meat), steamed broccoli, and french bread the night before a race. I realize this may not be the most optimal meal on an ordinary day, but it has worked really, really well for us in running many races from 5Ks to marathons.

HTH!
HUGS!!!!
 
Ditto on the oatmeal & banana! :D

ETA: I usually add a teaspoon of peanut or almond butter to the oatmeal for a little protein. :)
 
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