Knowing the best way to provide optimal nutrients and hydration for your body can be confusing. From the availability of countless sports-nutrition products to a cyberspace full of do-and-don't literature, athletes often find themselves befuddled.
The good news: It doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, the simpler the better. To better fuel your race performance, keep these seven tips in mind.
1. Don't Try Anything New on Race Day
The expo accompanying your event is typically a sea of booths filled with free food, drinks and goodies. There's nothing wrong with scoring samples, but wait until after the race to try them. Munching on a new bar or gel for the first time on race day may land you—and keep you—in the bathroom instead of participating in the event.
More: How to Avoid a Nutrition Meltdown on Race Day
2. Journal Your Consumption
Oftentimes athletes are diligent about tracking their training, but seldom their eating or hydration strategies. Journaling what food and beverages you consume will help you determine what works for your digestion and what doesn't.
Your log doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just write everything down: the time of day, quantity, what you did for training and how you felt. No two people are exactly the same, so what works for someone else may not work for you.
More: 4 Common Hydration Myths
