What Food Should Fuel You?
Tough Mudder is not a race (unless you are participating in a stop in our Endurance Series), rather an event that provides a bespoke obstacle experience. Designed to put you physically and mentally up against the wall to see how you prevail, many in Mudder Nation still wonder what to eat the morning for a race like this. In sum, it depends on your goals and how you aim to feel at the finish line. Keep reading to learn what the best go-to is for the morning of your race or event.
Anticipation begins days, sometimes weeks before the event. You could get anxious, nervous or just general excitement. That can lead to asking yourself about diet before your physical feat. Tough Mudder blends 2 things: cardio & strength exertion. Both of which, depending on your distance, will be taxed for hours on end. That being said, we suggest a combination of the following items, consumed between 1-2 hours prior to your day in the mud.
What to Eat the Morning Before a Race
Carbs: with exercise that exceeds 90+ minutes, your muscles might run out of glycogen (a form of energy). At this point, your glycogen levels begin to lower and your performance might suffer. However, if you are wise with your carbohydrate loading prior, you might be able to store more in your muscles. This will give you the stamina to perform longer in endurance events where you are exerting yourself more. Good carbohydrates include: bread or toast, peanut butter, fruit (without skin), pulp free fruit juice, or sports drink.
Fruits: as you exert nearly all muscles in your upper and lower body on Tough Mudder obstacles, you will want to avoid cramping. This is where nutritious fruit (with simple sugars) before a race can help you. Packed with antioxidants and potassium, adding this to your breakfast before an event will ensure you aren’t seizing up when you’re ½ way through the course. Notable fruit includes: banana, oranges, blueberries, dates or applesauce.
When you cross the finish line feeling good, you’ll be ready to take on what the rest of the day has in store for you. Perhaps even another lap of the Tough Mudder course the following weekend?! Eating the right thing before your race or event will allow you to enjoy the (free) ice cold beer for the obstacles your conquered, that much more.
