I did carb load somewhat, but not in the strict sense; I didn't deplete my carb stores by eating only proteins for a couple of days and then eat carbs. I ate a vegetarian pasta dish (at a Disney Resort restaurant - YUM!) the night before my race, but I didn't stuff myself. I didn't eat any proteins the day before my race, either.

You're right about the big meal; a suggestion I just read in a book (this is how they do it at the Ironman in Hawaii) is to eat your big carbo meal TWO nights before the race and eat moderately the day before (carbs) so that you aren't stuffed for your race. It also says to go to bed early TWO nights before and get a good night's sleep because you'll be "wired for sound" (excited & hyper!) the night before (very true!).

I ate a banana & a plain bagel (not toasted) and drank a glass of gatorade when I got up (4am) the morning of the race (start - 6:30am), because that's what my tummy is used to and did fine. Just eat stuff you know that your stomach is used to - Gu and accelerate sound great for the race. Just make sure you don't forget to drink all of your bottle on the bike so you don't bonk on the run.

I'm excited for you - you'll do great!