Greetings all!
I'm a recreational-level Masters swimmer who's been going for nearly a year now. I swim a mere 2x a week, 1hr a workout, and generally finish less than 5KM a week. This is fine for me, swimming is a hobby for me, and it fulfills my "hobby" requirements quite nicely.
I do, however, like to have goals, and distance goals just don't cut it for me. I decided that my main goal was to compete regularly, and to fill my event card, eventually, with times from 17 or 18 different events.
I want to do my best when it comes down to swim meets and being timed, and coincidentally, I also want to improve my (currently shoddy) eating habits, so I figured I'd come to others who might know...
What kinds of foods should I be eating the week before the competition? What kinds of foods should I be avoiding?
I would assume that McDonalds and the likes is assumed - but how harmful are things like chocolate and high-sugar foods, aside from the fullness they give you and the lack of other foods you consume as a result?
If anyone has special meals they like to eat before competition, and they don't mind sharing the logic behind the meals, I'd really appreciate the info!
Jill
Some Chick's Life
Parents
Former Member
I eat what I normally eat, which could include McDonalds, I'm afraid. More important for me is the timing of eating. I need to make sure I'm getting lunch if the meet is running from 9AM-2PM. Lunch might consist only of some fruit, apples or pears, or a zone-type bar right after an event when there is a longer break before my next event. Then after the meet a big lunch. Too much carbohydrates makes me tired, and not enough protein or fat means I get hungry. I'd rather think about my next race than food. I'd also like to eat soon enough before the race that I'm not enjoying my meal a second time.
I've found that applesauce works well for me if I have to get up relatively early and don't have time for a real breakfast. This is true even for an endurance event, like running or a triathlon.
Swim fast,
Greg
I eat what I normally eat, which could include McDonalds, I'm afraid. More important for me is the timing of eating. I need to make sure I'm getting lunch if the meet is running from 9AM-2PM. Lunch might consist only of some fruit, apples or pears, or a zone-type bar right after an event when there is a longer break before my next event. Then after the meet a big lunch. Too much carbohydrates makes me tired, and not enough protein or fat means I get hungry. I'd rather think about my next race than food. I'd also like to eat soon enough before the race that I'm not enjoying my meal a second time.
I've found that applesauce works well for me if I have to get up relatively early and don't have time for a real breakfast. This is true even for an endurance event, like running or a triathlon.
Swim fast,
Greg
