Marathon meal plan - Tuesday
It's the week before the marathon and getting your diet right is key to peak performance. Sports nutritionist James Collins shares his pre-race meal plan for Tuesday...
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 the TCS London Marathon to plan your nutrition for this day.
Tuesday training:
Rest
* Beginner's guidelines as recommended by the TCS London Marathon.
Tuesday nutrition:
Carbohydrate is reduced today as it’s a rest day. Starting the day with a protein-rich breakfast is a good option here, to support muscle growth and repair, whilst training volume is lower. Earlier in the week is a great opportunity to boost micronutrient intake, such as magnesium (afternoon snack), iron (dinner) and omega-3 (lunch), which are a crucial for energy production and muscle function.
Breakfast
Crab & asparagus omelette
This speedy omelette with spinach, asparagus and crabmeat is packed with flavour and couldn't be easier. Discover our how to cook asparagus guide.
Morning snack
Apricot, honey & pistachio flapjacks
These tasty treats will keep you in the kitchen for just five minutes.
Lunch
Pasta salad with tuna mayo
This quick to throw together salad is perfect as a lunchbox feast.
Afternoon snack
Chinese spiced seed mix
Snack on these moreish sunflower and pumpkin nibbles – a healthier choice.
Dinner
Stir-fry chilli beef with sweet potato jackets
Enjoy this energising supper for a post-exercise pick-me-up. It supplies iron, vitamin C and fibre, plus an impressive five of your 5-a-day.
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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