What to Eat Before a Race, from the 5K to Marathon episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 25, 2026 · 35 MIN

What to Eat Before a Race, from the 5K to Marathon

from Tread Lightly Running Podcast · host Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris

Carbohydrates, caffeine, and water (sometimes with electrolytes): these seem so simple, but they all improve performance when taken before a race. In this episode, we discuss how to structure your pre-race meal before a 5K to marathon, including what to eat, how to time it, and how to avoid GI upset.Thank you to our sponsors:✨Wahoo KICKR RUN: A treadmill that feels like running outdoors. Shop here: http://bit.ly/4nai73H and read the full review: https://runtothefinish.com/wahoo-kickr-run-treadmill/✨Probio: NSF-certified, clinically dosed, all-in-one supplement. Use this link for 40% off your order and an additional 10% and free shipping on a subscription.✨Title Nine: Comfortable sports bras that actually fit, from a women-owned company. Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH for free shipping at https://runtothefinish.com/title-nine/✨Join us on Patreon.com/treadlightlyrunning or subscribe on Apple Podcasts for special subscriber-only content!In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why pre-race carbohydrates are beneficial at even the harder, shorter distances✅ Why simple carbs are ideal before a race✅ How to prevent GI upset on race day✅ How to time your pre-race meals (including before late-start races)✅ Caffeine timing before a race✅ How to hydrate before a raceReferences🔬 PMID: 33388079🔬 PMID: 30747558🔬PMID: 40089940Tread Lightly Running is hosted and researched by Amanda Brooks and Laura Norris, MSc. Production, show notes, and graphics by Laura Norris.Let’s stay connected:➡️ Tread Lightly Running Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treadlightlyrunning/➡️ Laura Norris Running on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauranorrisrunning/➡️ Subscribe for weekly evidence-based newsletters, straight to your inbox, on https://lauranorrisrunning.substack.com/➡️ Run to the Finish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runtothefinish/?hl=en➡️ Thousands of running gear reviews and training guides: https://runtothefinish.com/

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 25, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

What to Eat Before a Race, from the 5K to Marathon

0:00 35:32

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Tread Lightly Running Podcast?

This episode is 35 minutes long.

When was this Tread Lightly Running Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on April 25, 2026.

Can I download this Tread Lightly Running Podcast episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!