03/20/2026
One thing I learned the hard way before a big competition:
Don’t experiment with new foods right before race day!
Years ago, after months and months of training for a full marathon, I planned to eat out the afternoon before the race after picking up my bib. (Honestly… I knew better.)
I was actually in line for my favorite restaurant, a place I’d eaten at a million times. But there was an argument between the man in front of me and the server, so I stepped out of line and went next door instead.
I ordered what felt like “safe” foods: chicken breast, rice, and broccolini. Then I also grabbed a boba tea.
That night I got incredibly sick. I couldn’t stop vomiting and had diarrhea all night. Instead of lining up at the start the next morning, I was stuck in bed while my husband and friends ran the marathon.
Never again.
Luckily, my friends were amazing and helped me out by running the route with me the following week so I could still complete the marathon on my own.
That experience taught me something I now repeat to athletes all the time:
The closer you get to competition day, the more helpful it is to keep food choices simple and predictable.
Stick with foods you already know sit well, and be cautious about new restaurants, drinks, or foods the day before a big event!
If you compete and nutrition is the most confusing part of preparation, that’s exactly what Nicole and I help you navigate. Let's talk!
