The Day Before Your Run
- Start drinking about 3-5 oz. of water per hour. Drink throughout the day.
- Have a carbohydrate rich breakfast and lunch. A lite dinner before 6 pm. Don't over eat.
- Get to bed early.
The Day Of The Run
- Wake up early. Give your body a chance to get everything moving. Have a light snack if you feel hungry...aim for about 200-300 calories of easily digestible food (Bananas and bagels work good for me). A little coffee 30-60 minutes before can help. 12 oz. of a sports drink like Accelerade about 30 minutes before the run will help if your not a coffee drinker.
- Get some BodyGlide and lube everywhere! You are going the be running for several hours so you don't want to be uncomfortable! Don't forget your toes. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses will be good friends on the long runs.
- During the run aim for 3-5 oz. of water every 15 minutes. You can substitute a sports drink like Accelerade in place of the water.
- Every 30-60 minutes have some GU, PowerGel, Cliff Blocks, Sports Beans, etc. Pay attention to the instructions on the packet. If you are hydrating with a sports drink, these extra carbs are not necessary.
- When you're done, have a recovery drink like EnduroxR4 within 30 minutes of completing the run. Then have breakfast. Go for a walk in the evening.