Race Day Nutrition

an ironman triathlete running through an aid station in boulder, colorado
July 4, 2023

Megan Dopp

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We have all heard that nutrition is the 4th discipline when it comes to triathlon. The longer the distanced race, the more important it becomes. Since race season is upon us, let’s take a look at some reminders for race day.

  • Check what foods and sports nutrition are on course
  • What mile markers are the aid stations
    • This can help with bottle drops and replenishing
  • What is your estimated time to finish
    • Then work through how much nutrition your will need for each discipline, swim, bike, run
  • What is your plan for the 3-4days prior to race day
    • Have you tried carb deprivation and replenishing?
    • How much hydration and how will you hydrate?
  • What is your meal the night before and race morning?
    • Can you do that in your hotel room or is the race local?
  • Before race day comes figure out what sports drink and foods you will be using for your race, it’s always a good idea to stick with the things that are working for you.  
  • What is your warm-up plan,hydration plan and fuel plan pre-race, after breakfast?
  • Write up a nutrition plan for your race and follow it.
  • Work with your coach or a dietitian and determine answers to these questions.

Here is an idea of what a dinner might be before race day:
Pasta with chicken and tomato sauce with mixed greens and olive on the side 

Breakfast before race:
Oats, whey protein, banana, PB, water

Pre race hydration:
Sip on sports drink up until race start, some people like taking in some fuel about 10 minutes before starting the swim.

Everyone has an individual approach to race day and sports nutrition.  Find YOUR best approach and go with it.

D3’s Go-To Nutritionist Megan Dopp has over 20 years of experience in the nutrition field and has adapted to all of its changes with research and education. She is passionate about learning what is best for each person and focuses on finding the root cause of problems.  She helps athletes orient their nutrition to support their training and racing. She specializes in athletes, wellness and is passionate about getting to the root cause of specific problems. 

Megan is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner

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