I am getting ready for the Houston marathon this Sunday and have a couple questions. What should you eat/drink the morning of? and how much time before the run begins?

in the days leading up to the marathon you need to be sure to hydrate plenty and along with that up your salt take.

On the day of the race, eat whatever you feel like...within reason. Oatmeal with peanut butter...bagels...carbs with a little protein is good. Make sure to eat it at least 1.5 hours before the start. It's not really good to run on a full stomache. You could probably have a powerbar or its equal 30 mins before because they digest quickly.

Through the race be sure to hydrate almost to excess. Your body will thank you in the last six. Oh and remember, it's just a 20 mile warm up followed by a 10k. And be sure to smile too, you go faster.

thanks Sooner

no prob. Let me know how you do! I have been thinking about coming to Houston for the marathon. Would be a nice break from the Denver snow.

Oh, and a banana is an essential part of breakfast. Nothing but carbs and potassium. Good stuff for a runner.

Oh and one more thing. Start out SLOW. You can't win the race in the first five miles but you sure can lose it.

Tx. ag 2007:
I have participated in maybe 12 marathons here in Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego and in New Orleans over the years.
(1). Get to sleep early on Saturday.
(2). Th race starts at 7:00; make sure you are out of your car and in the GRB by 6:00, no later.
(3). For Breakfast, water, water, water; bread and a banana. I also consume my normal vitamin intake.
(4). When you get to the GRB, get your bag checked in, relax, get to the restroom and make sure you evacuate your body as much as you can.
(5). Stretch inside the GRB until maybe 6:20 and depending on the weather get outside and close to your starting position by 6:30. If possible, jog some on the street to keep your muscles loose.
(6). When the cannon goes off, remember, you are running 26 miles, not 26 blocks. It's a long journey.
(7). Consume water as many times as possible through out the run. By the time you hit the 19-20-21 mile mark, you will be glad you did.
(8). Believe me, when you are 3 miles from home, in front of KHOU and downtown is in front of you, remember, you still have three miles to go.
(9). When you come around the "S" and you hit that 26 mile mark with only a few more meters to go, you will hear the crowd cheering for you and everyone else. That is the most exhilirating feeling a marathoner can have. Believe me, to finish a marathon is an accomplishment, and nothing to be sneezed or laughed at.
(10). After you cross the finish line and go under the walkway, get liquid in your system. If you need medical help, get it! The medical tent is right near the entrance. Stretch a little, don't let your body tighten up. Get some warm food into your system from the HEB truck. Get more water and juice, maybe even a Sprite. You will feel better.
(11). When you get home, if you have a jacuzzi, use it; sit in a warm tub or take a shower. Relax. Monday 17th, go for a light jog in the AM (I run before I go to work everyday); nothing hard, just to keep your muscles from contracting and screwing you up. You should be all right by Tuesday; if you aren't go see your doctor.

Remember, you are not going to win this thing, but you will finish. Run within your self, stay within your ability and above all, have a good time!

"It takes a man to be a father....."

Thanks for all the advice. As a rookie at this, I need all the advice I can get. Also, one more thing, in the training runs, I would usually have some sort of high protein bar in the morning, that has a 17g carbs, but 20 g protien, and very little fiber. I thought this might be a good thing to have for breakfast maybe with a banana. The bar has only has 2 g of sugar, so I was thinking the banana would take care of the rest of the sugar that I will need. Any thoughts?

By now, it's to late, but don't deviate from your normal routine.

Hope you had a good time; see ya in the GRB...

"It takes a man to be a father....."

My son's time- Half Marathon: 1:24.28
My time- 5K: 19:06.45

[This message has been edited by monarch (edited 1/16/2005 3:58p).]