Training Menu before the Race

Tonight is the first night of Passover. It got me to thinking about the food restrictions we Jews follow during the 8 days of Passover. Basically, during Passover, Jewish law forbids the consumption or possession by Jews of all edible fermented grain products (Chometz) or related foods. The simple definition is that we don't eat anything with leaven in it. So, no bread. As most runners know, bread is a staple item in our diet.

In thinking about the next 8 days, I realized that I needed to review my typical training menu I use for my marathon runs. Passover does not end until April 16th. Therefore, I will have to make some adjustments to accomodate the Passover food restrictions. But, I will still follow it as best I can starting next Tuesday (April 14). I thought it might be nice to post my menu plan for those who are following this blog. It may help them in eating right the week leading up to the race.

Tuesday
Breakfast Cereal w/skim milk, banana, and glass of Orange juice
Lunch Turkey Sandwich dry with water
Dinner Pasta w/red sauce, Salad, glass of skim milk

Wednesday
Breakfast Bagel(s), glass of Orange juice
Lunch Cold pasta salad with chicken
Dinner Red beans and rice

Thursday
Breakfast Pancakes w/banana
Lunch Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Dinner Chinese food with extra rice

Friday
Breakfast Cereal w/skim milk, banana, and glass of Orange juice
Lunch Tuna fish sandwich with pretzels
Dinner Pasta w/red sauce, Salad

Saturday
Breakfast Pancakes w/banana, and glass of Orange juice
Lunch Cold pasta salad with chicken
Dinner Red beans and rice, Salad

Sunday
Breakfast Cereal w/skim milk, banana, and glass of Orange juice
Lunch Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Dinner Anything

Monday (Race Day)
Breakfast Peanut butter and honey sandwich and a banana

This plan works well because you are carbo loading gradually throughout the week. Plus you are getting the right amounts of protein and vegetables as well. Even though the pasta party is always fun, the pasta you eat that night will not have time to get into your system to help you out on race day. Even so, I always eat pasta the night before the race.