Marathon meal plan - Monday
It's the final countdown! Get your pre-race diet right with a meal plan to take you through the week leading up to a marathon, from sports nutritionist James Collins...
Overall dietary guidelines:
Contrary to previous beliefs, the week before the marathon isn’t all about piling on the pasta. In fact, to maximise carbohydrate (fuel) stores before the race, runners only needs to start ‘fuelling up' or ‘carb-loading' two or three days before the race (three days if you prefer slower increase in your daily intake). Read more in our guide to carb-loading.
Earlier in the week, it may be useful to start including snacks to train the gut in preparation for increased carbohydrate intake in the days leading up to the race.
As a general rule, what you eat should be different depending on the training demands for that day (or when you are preparing for the race itself) to promote sufficient fuelling and recovery. Discover what to eat on different training days with our training meal plans for runners.
We’ve included examples of the race training programme from London Marathon to plan your nutrition for this day.
Monday training:
10 mins marathon pace, 20 mins half-marathon pace, 10 marathon pace.
* Beginner's guidelines as recommended by the TCS London Marathon.
Monday nutrition:
Carbohydrate intake is maintained at breakfast and lunch to support training volume for today. Protein and healthy fat intakes are also important for the ongoing growth and repair of the muscles. Options are nutrient-rich and provide sufficient fibre for healthy gut function. Snacks are included as optional depending on your preferences.
Breakfast
Healthy porridge bowl
Start your day right with this filling bowl of oats, berries, banana and seeds. It's healthy and packed with nutrients to fuel body and mind.
Morning snack
Mixed berry smoothie
For a smooth start to your day, try this ultra-easy breakfast berry smoothie.
Lunch
Turkey & coriander burgers with guacamole
These healthy burgers are full of vitamin C and use low-fat turkey flavoured with herbs and topped with spicy avocado.
Afternoon snack
Hummus snack pack
Hummus is so easy to make and beats shop-bought varieties every time. Try it with vegetable crudités in your packed lunch.
Dinner
Tuna steaks with cucumber relish
A good source of heart-healthy, omega-3 fatty acids.
Find more expert advice and answers to your training questions in our marathon hub.
James Collins is recognised as a leading Performance Nutritionist through his work with Olympic and professional sport. Over the last decade he has worked with Arsenal FC, the England and France national football teams and Team GB. He has a private practice in Harley Street where he sees business executives, performing artists and clients from all walks of life. He is the author of the new book The Energy Plan, which focuses on the key principles of fuelling for fitness.
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