05/05/2025
How I fuelled & trained 7 days out from the 2025 Belfast Marathon 🏃 💨
Days 1-3:
Due to the reduced training load this week, and my current body weight being slightly higher (2-3kgs) than i would like, i have my energy intake sitting at maintenance/slight deficit (2,000-2,500 calories). Keeping my protein intake at 150-160g and keeping my fibre intake lower than normal >15g daily. Focusing on good quality nourishing foods. Adding Sea salt to my meals to increase sodium intake pre race. Minimal changes to training (GAA session, gym strength work/upper body, and v02 max running session)This week will also continue to supplement Beta alanine, Beetroot Juice (Nitrates to improve my running economy & performance), Creatine Monohydrate, Magnesium, Collagen peptide (ongoing Ni**le in my hamstring) and Zinc(something i’m Trialling).
Days 4-6:
This is where the fun begins. My carbohydrate intake increases to 6-8Grams CHO per kg of body weight over the next 3 days, this includes fast digesting carbs & good protein sources and energy dense fats including pancakes, peanut butter, white bread/pasta, oats, honey, milk, rice Krispies, orange/apple juice… while keeping fibre below 10g daily, protein stays relatively high ~150g, and my fat stays the same 70-90g.
Day 7 (Race Day)
On the day i will have a light breakfast. The hard work is done, and i’ve the carb load behind me so today is all about keeping the stress levels low and topping up. I will consume caffeine on the day, maybe one coffee when i wake up and then i’ll consume x2 200mg caffeine tabs 60mins before the race(600-700mg Caffeine pre race)
i’ll sip on water or an carb drink eg Lucozade sport on my way to the race, and during the race i’ll have 30-60g Carbs every 4-6kms or so to keep my carb stores topped up to fuel my run. Hot day so i was sipping water at all the hydration stations, swift and brief sips & rinses. After the race, my priority will be to replace my glycogen stores (consume some carbohydrates) and get some protein on board to start the recovery process.