It was hot out there today, even for a 5K. And that’s eight days after an 8K trail run.
Not a huge complaint. More of an observation, since this is acknowledged to be the hottest summer since anyone began maintaining meteorological records.
I am a pre-race creature of habit. I eat the same things, with minor variations, two days before a race (the variations take the type and length of the race into account). I avoid excess carbs, no desserts, no alcohol, no soft drinks, and go very easy on caffeine (don’t start the argument with me about caffeine-free tea and coffee. Not going there, not drinking any of it). I keep a 32-ounce water bottle on my desk and stay well-hydrated all day.
Post-race is a little different. I don’t care to eat for about an hour after the event. It’s as if my gut is still at a gallop on the course. But when I am ready, I want what I need. The big three for me are sugar, grease, and protein. Sugar for obvious reasons: I usually have a long drive home from most events. Sugar will keep me focused on the road and out of a ditch or opposing traffic lanes. Protein for repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue. And grease because it tastes good. I am being honest on that one. My favorite post-race snack? A sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit and iced tea. It checks all my depleted boxes: takes care of thirst and sugar, packs both grease and protein, and just enough carb for me. And don’t lecture me about this. It’s my cheat meal for the week.
This week, I made two half-gallon jars of something healthier: soup in a jar. Ramen noodles (minus the ramen packets), low-sodium chicken broth, bok choy, peas, carrots, green beans, onion, and mushrooms were all cooked until the vegetables still had some crunch and the noodles had some bite. I added some small chicken meatballs and leftover broccoli bits and let everything cool and then ladled it into the jars. Best thing to come off my stove in a long time. There’s no real recipe here, no proportions that matter. You can add or subtract whatever you like or have on hand. Go vegan and use vegetable stock and no meat at all (I don’t know if firm tofu would work in this, but I would certainly consider adding it to each portion as I reheat it, rather than all at once).
I rewarded myself post-race with new trail shoes and a real hydration belt. Here’s tp getting serious about this year!
Old Is Serious...Aging Is Hilarious 