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Race Day Breakfast

John SchneiderJohn Schneider
in General Training Discussions

I'm looking for some help regarding Race Day Breakfast.

Normally I eat 2 bowls of cereal for Breakfast, one a mix of Granola's/Organic Cereals with fruit on top and one bowl of Mueslix.  I don't have stomach issues during any of my training rides/runs.

Pre-race about 2+ hours before I eat a bowl and half of Granola/Organic Cereal.  The reason I'm asking this question is each of the past 4 IM's I've completed I've always had stomach issues during the runs, 4 stops into the porta potties.  One the bike I drink the same thing that I practice with Carbo Pro/amino acids/Soy Protein and some electrolytes.  Then on the run I usually stick with lighter carbs IM perform/gatorade, etc.  Last year I tried taking immodium, took some the night before and in the last half hour of the bike to see what would happen, it didn't help.  I was thinking of trying a banana for breakfast to help.

I'd doing a HIM 7/14 so I'm looking for any recommendations to keep me out of the porta potties during the run. 

Thanks in Advance, John S.

Comments

  • afrostafrost
    This is getting a little technical on the Immodium thing. I eat the same as you on IM day - only one bowl though - of granola, milk, and cut up apple. In my first 3 IMs I also was in the porta potties on the run. (or in the bushes if the porta potty wasn't nearby!). IM #4 and #5 I used Immodium - solved my problem totally! No pit stops at all on the run. (As my former coach said "Take Immodium to be on the Podium" - ha!)

    However, I take the Immodium about 20 or 30 minutes before the start of the swim. You are taking it the night before and just before the run starts - maybe that is both too early and too late?? Maybe it is just timing issue?

    ---Ann.
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    John, the problem taking it the night before is that your clogging up your pipes. You want to make sure you're cleaned out as best you can before taking the Imodium.
  • Beth_SBeth_S
    Hm. I'm a huge fan of fiber tapering for racing -- so maybe switch to more gentle carbs? Yesterday, I had a bowl of cold rice with lots of blueberries, honey, and lavender. It was delicious and full of gentle carbs.
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Good points from everyone and you can also solve a lot by waking up and eating earlier.

  • Betsy KantorBetsy Kantor
    I agree with Beth. In fact, the day before should be gentle carbs/low in fiber too-sweet potatoes and bananas, etc. I prefer a smoothie on race day, early like Rich said-at least 3 hours before. I make my zone with flax seed oil, protein powder and lots of of berrries. The blending starts the digestion process so it passes quickly (I have had GI nurses will tell me that's the best 'last meal' before your cleanout for a colonoscopy!) Then its liquid calories the rest of the day. If you are traveling, the bullet blender is very portable and affordable. I have never had GI issues but, I haven't yet done more than HIM distance.
  • John SchneiderJohn Schneider
    Thank you all for your help, raced my xterra Saturday am, did the smoothies and took my immodium 1/2 before race, lower fiber during the preceeding week and wahoo no stomach issues. Very Happy Camper. Thanks again!!
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    I've become a big fan of Ensure. One 8 oz bottle has about ~250 calories. Really simple to manage, and having a liquid source of calories will save you some time, as opposed to having a breakfast that involves preparing and chewing stuff. image
  • jelmermdjelmermd
    +2 on the idea of Ensure...a good low residue calorie meal at Rich's 2 am feeding is helpful. Also agree with laying off the Imodium the night before. Low residue 24 hours before helps me a bunch.
    I have used Dulcolax suppositories the morning of a race if I can't get out and take a spin around the block to help the caffeine do the trick. But the idea is to not load up the gut leading up to, then get fully cleaned out the day of the race.
  • jetskrjetskr
    Ok, here is my top secrect pre- race or long ride drink: Starbuks Via. It is hands down the best at cleaning you out before your day.

    A previous job had me traveling a lot and hotel coffee is just absolute crap so I started drinking Via. Tastes pretty good and has a side benefit of emptying you out pretty quick. We started to use it when we'd travel to Madison and now use it before every race as well.

    As with anything new, make sure you try it out during training but this stuff WORKS.
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