What do I need to eat if I am running cross country?

Question

We just started the middle of two-a-days and I don't know what I need to be eating. I weigh about 115lbs and I don't really want to gain anything. I want to be lean and healthy. Anything for endurance, energy and injury free can be good too?! Haha. Any suggestions will help! Thanks! :)

Answer 1

I think the others have answered the main food for running, but generally a good all round diet.

Before racing or a hard training session, you need to have easily digestable food, stuff which your body absorbs quickly, and usually about 3 hours before your event. Things like ripe bananas, honey sandwiches, and in NZ when I was young I used to have Heinz baked beans.

Once you have found something which works for you, stick to it and make it part of your routine.

This is the only food I have had before racing in 30 years. Boring but effective - never had any problems in any races.

Answer 2

Carbs are the king as glucose is the bodies primary source of energy

Answer 3

Carbs, and some more carbs, especially the night before a meet. you will store those overnight, and it will feel like getting a second wind. Just dont eat a bunch of carbs right before a meet. Back those carbs up with some solid building proteins, and good fruits and veggies, like bananas. But mostly, pasta. Right before a meet you want to stay away from eggs, or like an egg salad sandwich or lots of dairy. it's okay to have, just not right before a heavy workout.