What to Eat Before Running a 10k

If you are preparing to run a 10k and looking to optimize your performance we need to talk about pre-race nutrition. Distance running is an energy demanding sport and understanding your fueling needs, both in training and on race day, is critical to sustain long runs and prevent injury. Knowing what to eat before running a 10k allows you to go into the race feeling confident and prepared.  

Finding your perfect pre-race meal can help avoid gastrointestinal upset and provide maximum, sustained energy for optimal performance. In this blog post I will share some sport nutrition fundamentals and provide several race day sample meals to help you find your ideal pre-race combo. Alright, let’s go…

Carbohydrates for Energy

Carbohydrates are your body’s primary source of fuel and should make up the majority of your diet. While running your body can utilize carbohydrate from a previous meal consumed as well as stored carbohydrate (aka glycogen). I recommend getting a combination of carbohydrates from different sources throughout training as well as for your pre-race meal to maximize glycogen stores and increase energy availability on race day.

Here are some carbohydrate sources to consider:

• Breads, cereals, pasta, rice
• Fruits and vegetables
• Cow’s milk or soy milk, greek yogurt

Protein for Power

Protein provides the building blocks for maintenance and growth of muscle mass. These building blocks, known as amino acids, are essential to repair and rebuild skeletal muscle and connective tissue during training blocks helping to prevent sport related injury (1). Moderate protein in your pre-race meal will also aid in sustained energy during your race and prevent rapid energy depletion.

Here are some protein sources to consider:

• Cow’s milk, greek yogurt, cottage cheese
• Soy milk
• Eggs
• Tofu, Tempeh
• Turkey, chicken, lean beef
• Fish, shrimp
• Beans, legumes

Again, I recommend getting a variety of protein sources as each have individual benefits and nutrient profiles. It is important to mention that milk protein in particular has been studied extensively in athletes. Milk consumption following exercise has shown several notable outcomes including:

• Accelerated recovery from muscle damage due to exercise (2)
• Increases in replenished glycogen stores (3)
• Improvements in hydration status (4,5)
• Increased muscle protein synthesis (6,7)

Fat

During training dietary fat is essential to ensure you are meeting your fueling needs and absorption of vitamins. However your pre-race meal should be low in fat due to its slow digestion which could increase the probability of gastrointestinal upset during your race. Additionally, keeping fat intake low in your pre-race meal allows for better utilization of your body’s primary source of fuel, carbohydrates.

Hydration

Hydration is critical for optimal performance in distance running. Focus on hydration throughout your training and pre-race to avoid dehydration. Consequences of dehydration can include: decline in performance, increased core temperature and heart rate, decreased blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Water is appropriate for most training and events that are less than 1 hour. If your run is longer than 1 hour or on hot days, a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink (such as a sports drink which offers carbohydrate, sodium and potassium) can keep you adequately hydrated. The best way to determine your hydration status is monitoring the color of your urine. If urine is a light straw color you are likely consuming adequate fluids.

Meal and Hydration Timing on Race Day

Consuming a meal 3-4 hours before your race is ideal. This allows enough time for proper digestion before you begin your run. Eating a large meal too close to the start of your race can increase the probability of an upset stomach as running decreases blood flow to the gut.

Approximately 2-3 hours before your race consume 16 – 20 oz of water. After that continue to drink based on thirst as you wait for your race to begin.

What to Eat Before Running a 10k

Your pre-race meal should be high in carbohydrate, low in fat and fiber, moderate in protein. Below are examples of pre-race meal ideas but portion sizes will vary based on your individual needs. To determine your specific needs work with a registered dietitian nutritionist.

Sample Pre-Race Meals, Breakfast Inspired

• Oatmeal with brown sugar & almonds, low fat milk, berries
• Low fat cottage cheese, grapes, apple butter & crackers
• Non fat greek yogurt, low fat granola, fruit
• Peanut butter & honey toast, fruit and low fat greek yogurt smoothie (can sub smoothie for instant breakfast drink)
• Bagel, peanut butter, banana, low fat chocolate milk

Sample Pre-Race Meals, Lunch & Dinner Inspired

• Deli turkey & cheese sub sandwich, tortilla chips, banana, low fat milk
• Grilled chicken on flour tortilla, pretzels, berries, low fat milk
• Tuna sub sandwich, fruit cup, crackers, fat free yogurt
• Sweet potato, almond butter, fruit, low fat milk

Final Thoughts

It is best to experiment with different pre-race meals during training to see what works best for you. Working with a registered dietitian nutritionist can help you determine your specific nutrition needs taking into consideration age, body composition, and duration and intensity of training schedule and race. Your goal in determining what to eat before running a 10k is to find a pre-race meal that is well tolerated (doesn’t cause upset during your run) and provides a maximum amount of readily available energy to sustain you.