I love the day before the Mini.  You have to understand I don’t run because I love to run.  I run because I love to eat.  The activity allows me a little more freedom to enjoy a few more snacks.  So, pre-race carbo-loading comes pretty easily to me.  Ask the WISH producer who calls me “Hoover” for my ability to eat.  (Maybe it looks that way because running makes me hungry a lot.)  In spite of the appearance, I try to be careful about what I eat — most of the time. 

Experts such as Kim Modglin will tell you these hours before the race are not an excuse for binge eating.  Kim is an exercise physiologist.  So, I thought it would be a good idea to review her advice, right now.  She encourages runners and walkers to get plenty of carbohydrates and liquids, this afternoon and tonight.  But don’t overdo it.

Kim’s advice for morning eating is: 

• Awake early enough to eat pre-event meal three hours prior to event.  (High in low-fiber carbohydrates and fluids)
• Drink 17 – 20 oz. of fluid two hours prior to event

The first year I ran the Mini, I followed the training class advice to take water at every station.  Before long, at every step, I could hear the water sloshing in my gut.  Since then, I’ve decided to limit my water intake during the race.  I bypass the first few water stops.  I may stop only for Gatorade along the course.  I may drink more, if it’s hot that day.

You probably won’t need any encouragement to enjoy the food offered at the end of the race.  But, there is a good reason to grab those goodies.  The sooner you get food in your system, the better you’ll restore your muscles. 

Good luck!  And remember: by this time tomorrow, you’ll be done!