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Multi-Day Racing Strategies part 3by Arpan DeAngelo Eating StrategiesPhysiologically we all have a basic idea of the need to keep our energy level up as we burn many more calories than we would in a normal work day for example. Food intake on a regular basis is important, to say the least. Deciding on what foods to eat or not eat is a personal preference but should involve a basic knowledge of nutrition. Many runners have discovered the importance of a good amount of fats and proteins in their diets if they are spending a majority of the day running and/or walking. Also, regular amounts of smaller portions of food is preferable to a few bigger meals as we usually have in our normal lives. Keeping a consistent blood sugar level means many regular intakes of food with lots of snacking. Keeping your fluid levels up is also extremely important. Water should be the first and foremost thing that you drink every few miles or so. Then if you prefer other drinks such as energy drinks of electrolyte drinks, they should be spread out between taking water and eating. Salts are also important to maintain. You can do this by taking tissue salts, using salts on your food, or using other forms of sodium such as soy sauce. A balance with potassium is also important. Foods rich in potassium should be eaten such as bananas or green vegetables. Doing some nutritional research before the race would be a good idea as most of us are not knowledgeable about it completely. These are just the general and basic elements of the nutritional factors in a multi-day race but they play a crucial role in planning and running a multi-day event. |