What does a marathon runner drink before a race?

Answer 1

Spaghetti. It has plenty of 'long-term' carbohydrates that will be ready to use on tomorrow's run.

Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy for running. They are coverted by the body into glucose which is used for energy. Any carbohydrates that are not immediately used are stored in the muscles as glycogen for later use. This is why carbohydrates are important for a marathon runner as the slow energy release happens over the whole marathon and gives you the energy when you need it most in the later stages.The urge to overindulge in carbohydrates the night before the race can leave you feeling sluggish so it is better to up your carbohydrate intake during the week before a race.

Foods rich in carbohydrates are cereals, grains, bread, rice, barley, oatmeal, spaghetti, pasta, muffins, apricot, dates, blueberry, banana, fig, grapes, apple, orange, pear, pineapple, strawberry, watermelon, raisins, chickpeas, white beans, black eye peas, potato, sweet potato, carrot, sweetcorn, squash, nonfat milk, low fat, plain yogurt, chocolate milk and skimmed milk.

For the night before I would suggest a pasta dish with a cream sauce and maybe some butternut squash. Don't overdo it as you have to run the next day. Up your carbohydrates during the week before and you should be fine.

Answer 2

They can eat many different things, something that has been traditional in a marathoner's diet is pasta the night before. I myself enjoy eating pasta the night before, and light fruit before the race. Light fruit such as Oranges and bananas are great for and before the race. I prefer oranges since they are light and are quickly metabolized.

Answer 3

a marathon runner needs carbohydrates, so staple foods like rice, pasta and bread and eggs and stuff like that. This is because it is slow release energy foods so it will help you to keep going for longer

Answer 4

Most likely water or Gatorade or Powerade.

Answer 5

Protein and carbohydrates are good - especially carbohydrates (For energy) so foods like pastas and breads are good to eat up until the day of the marathon

Answer 6

Water and something that is packed with carbs like G1 in the Gatorade series