Prepping for my first 24 hour race

[Aggie_Ama]

No 24 hour races for me but super cool you are doing one! You will write up on it, right?

Some of the people I know do these type of events. I have heard them swear by cold pizza, not sure how you justify this as proper nutrition! One of our wrenches only does the ultra long races (12,24 hour), he said his key is changing clothes. I guess fresh chamois = fresh attitude? I am sure for enough money a massage therapist would come out. Other than that all I can wish you is luck and the insanity keeps you laughing!

[indysteel]

I have no advice, Jeni; I just wanted to say good luck! Let us know how it goes.

[jessmarimba]

I'll vote yes to changing clothes and yes to cold pizza

Definitely eat as much as you are able (not that you don't already know that!) - I had finished a whole plate of pancakes and then ended up running one more lap for my last 24-hour race. I was so hungry that I started surveying the trail for anything edible...thankfully I didn't think of pinecones

Someone met me at the finish with a Krispy Kreme and pretty much made my day.

Also...for the evening after the race, make sure you won't need to put effort into dinner (order in, microwave, make someone drive you somewhere...) I ended up calling my sister and asking her to bring me food because I was too tired and had no groceries.

[Drtgirl]

I just did my 2nd 24hr solo in May (and won!). I have an adventure racing background and I think that helps when slogging through the nighttime hours...we do a lot of things to stay awake! My tips:

-I would veto the headphones...they are banned from races out here for good reason.
-Find someone to ride with at night. Talking with or simply following behind someone keeps you engaged. I was dragging until I found an injured guy who just happend to be my pace. We chatted and complained about how bad we felt. I was on a total high after that.
-Are you a gum chewer? I find it helps. Try a super sour or strong flavor to perk you up. Your jaw will be tired by the end of the race though!
-Shake up your food selection on each lap. Like, don't eat the same flavor gu the whole race.

I didn't sleep in my last race...I just sat down for 20 minutes around midnight. So it can be done. Yes, you may break down and cry but it happens!

Good luck!

[Catrin]

I have no constructive advice to give you - but I think you rock and will have a great time! Looking forward to reading about your experience!

[Cato]

I've done a few of these and have found it's best not to worry in advance about how you'll feel until you actually do that first post-midnight lap. Your pre-race nerves should be behind you by then!

Once you're up and make the transition with your partner you'll find that you're plenty awake. If you're racing for fun, take your time and enjoy the night. If you haven't already considered it, you and your partner can do 2 back to back laps each which will give you both more time to eat and rest between.

Food - whatever makes you happy and is easy to digest. Bring a good variety cuz you don't know what you'll be in the mood for or what your stomach will be able to handle. I like oatmeal/frozen waffles/pop tarts and maybe a soft boiled egg or peanut butter/banana...carbs and a little protein. Experiment before the race if you can to see what works for you. And be sure to hydrate and replace electrolytes consistently.

You'll do great and can't wait to hear about it. Good luck!

[MtnBikerChk]

Relax and have fun!! Most of the time these events are so charged with positive energy and everyone cheers for everyone else - you'll have a great time.

I just want to mention about food - if you have a sensitive stomach at all (like my husband) stay away from the gu and sugary type supplements. Stick with pasta, turkey sandwiches and if you like, try some perpetuem (I love that stuff for 24 hour races - it tastes mild and it's a quick 200 cals).

Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes!