National Captial Race with PB & Banana

Well 4 months of training has come to an end and I am now at the end of my tapering week with only a 3km light run to keep limber before the big race - half marathon (21km). In fact there are only 2 days to go. I previous ran the National Capital 1/2 marathon in 2005, but contending with injuries and neglecting speed and hill training my time was not impressive for my personal goals.

This time with fewer injuries, my dedication to long runs, hill and speed training I feel pumped and ready for the race. If all goes well I might be able to achieve even lower than my initial goal.

Last night I picked up my race kit - a nice loot bag full of advertisements, chocolates, gum, toothpaste, mints... yes all those things that help with the race...apparently runners have bad breath. I also received my T-shirt, running chip and bib # 9887.

It is always fun to be at these events watching all the athletes, from those professional marathoners from Kenya that astonishingly run barefoot and more than not clench first place each year, allowing them to bring the $5000 prize money home to their families; to the family of 3 that are walking the 2km; or the family running or walking to raise money for a cure or for a loved one. There are runners from all ages and genders from all over the world. Overall the atmosphere is one that is energetic, motivational and inspirational.

Well considering this is a food blog... I suppose I should discuss food. It is no surprise that food and training for running go hand in hand. Some people run to eat while others eat to run. I would have to say I am a little bit of both. However this week I will be eating to run. It is going to be pertinent for me to get rest, water, zero to less alcohol and good long lasting high energy foods. I will likely post a few of the dishes I deem to be pertinent to a good RACE DAY.

Today's breakfast was a large cup of strong coffee and a whole wheat english muffin with light peanut butter and sliced banana. I would never eat peanut butter before a race, as it is hard to digest and heavy on the stomach....but on my off days or as a post run meal, PB and banana sandwiches are a great energy replenisher. Try grilling these!

I realized that my photos are blurry because the setting was not on close-up. I always have it on close up so did not bother to check it... and was wondering hey! why are these blurry. Oh well next time I will pay better attention.

For my pre-run meals I must eat at least 2+ hours before my run. The snack or meal must be light and easily digestable:

- A half of a bagel with 1 tablespoon of sugar-free jam
- small bowl of instant oatmeal
- 1 cup of cereal with 1/2 cup of skim milk
- 1/2 cup light yogurt with 1/2 cup of fresh fruit and 2T granola
- A banana and 20 mini-pretzels or wheat thin crackers
- An energy bar with less than 200 calories