So you think you can run? Although some can say it’s just as easy as lacing up and going for it, there’s extreme dedication, rituals and strategy that goes on behind the scenes to accomplish your goals as a runner. Whether your goal is to make it down the street or finish on the other side of your state, the mindset and preparation is based on the individual.

As a former athlete I understand what I need to do to maintain a state of wellness in order to perform. While athletes put the training time in, they are testing and learning more about themselves mentally and physically. It’s not just about getting better at their skill, it’s about learning how to perform. With goals, dedication and focus, that’s what will bring their performance to the next level. How athletes fuel their bodies plays a role in this, a huge role. Not only are the needs of every athlete’s diet different, it’s also based on their sport. What works for one tennis player, may not work for another. What works for swimmers, may not work for a football player.

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some insight of an ultra marathon runner. Working closely together through training and race preparation, I learned so much more about these extreme athletes. After years of practice, this runner knows exactly how she needs to fuel her body in order to perform up to expectations and to feel good while doing it. The meal prep or food intake during the training months look a lot different than what she needs during a 100 mile race. 

Cooking meals for mid race fuel is a different way of eating! To get an idea of how I fed this ultra marathon runner, take a look at this race day menu we curated together.

Race Day Fuel Goals:

• Bland

• Sodium

• Carbs

Grocery List:

• Quinoa

• Sea salt

• Chicken broth

• Black beans

• Brown rice

• Purple potatoes

• Olive oil

• Yukon or russet potatoes

Menu:

1. Quinoa (olive oil, sea salt, cooked in chicken broth)

2. Mashed potatoes (ton of chicken broth and sea salt)

3. Black beans and brown rice 

4. Purple potatoes (ton of olive oil and sea salt)

Food Storage

All food is prepped in containers, then come night before race, food is spooned into Ziplock baggies. This is a method that has proven to work best for this individual athlete. The main bulk of the race food supply will stay with the crew following the runner. However, while running through trails on a 100 mile or plus race, storing food in baggies makes it lighter and easier to carry on you when you’re alone. Then when you need the fuel, it’s easy to consume. Think of how it’s easy for a baby to eat its baby food on the go from a squeezable pouch. This accomplishes that same idea.

Don’t Chase Boys, Pass them

In conclusion, I wanted to share the dedication of planning that athletes master overtime in order to achieve their goals. Whether you are an elite athlete or beginning a new healthy lifestyle, it takes having a game plan and focusing on your goals. No matter who you are, it takes discipline and consistency. Don’t give up, and if you do, maybe you don’t want it enough. You need to be HUNGRY for it!