Because the Boston Marathon starts between 10:30 and 11:30, fueling can be a bit tricky. Here are a few thoughts to organize your pre-marathon eating.
On Marathon Morning, be sure to eat two breakfasts…one at home about 5:00 to 6:00 a.m. and one about 9:00 or 10:00 a.m., as tolerated. You’ll likely have to wake up at early o’thirty in order to get out Hopkinton pre-race, You probably will have nervously tossed and turned all night (burning calories), so you’ll want to eat Breakfast #1 at 6:00 a.m. to replenish those calories. Then, carry easy-to-digest food with you for the pre-marathon Breakfast #2. This food helps maintain your normal blood sugar level, which helps your brain function clearly. If you fail to eat enough, your blood sugar will drop and you’ll suffer needless fatigue.
Some popular breakfasts include bagel with peanut butter, two energy bars and a banana, oatmeal with raisins, and poached eggs on toast. Popular items for Breakfast #2 include energy bars, bananas, bagels (plain or with peanut butter), and granola bars.
By eating about 400 to 600+ calories, as tolerated, of tried-and-true training food at Breakfast #1 and then 100 to 300 calories, as tolerated, within an hour or two before the race, you’ll be better fueled for the 26.2 mile adventure. If you will be too nervous and anxious to eat on Marathon Morning, be sure to eat extra calories before you go to bed on Sunday night.
Fuel well, run well, and enjoy the day!
Resource: Food Guide for Marathoners: Tips for Everyday Champions