What to eat before swim? page

[gingernut]

Not sure if this is the best place to post this but was looking for some input on what to eat before a 2k open water swim.

It will be my first and although I have done the distance once in the pool I probably have not trained as much as I should have, but unfortunately life (i.e. children!) just got in the way a bit! I am a strong swimmer though and feeling fairly confident but will just take it fairly easy I think.

Anyway, the swim is at 10.30am and we will be leaving home by 7am to get there and as I usually don't eat first thing I am not really sure what to do. I will probably have my usual coffee with cream before we leave but was thinking I probably should take something with me to eat on the way, but don't really know what! Should I be eating fats/protein/both/neither?? I was thinking carbs after...is this right?

Any and all help/advice gratefully received! Thanks!

[dado]

Don't eat anything too heavy because you run the risk of sinking.

[Kenzington]

Well........ when I was a competitive swimmer we used to carb-load before any big meets. Tons of pasta etc. Not sure you wanna do that. Lol But actually, from a competition standpoint, taking it easy and upping your carb intake before you race is a really great way to shave seconds off your race. If you're into that kind of thing - which we certainly were. (Especially me as a distance freestyler and flyer)

At this juncture, I say eat what you know makes you feel your best so you're in a good place physically and mentally for it. Good luck!

[Alex Good]

Berries and cream. It's not too heavy and will supply you with both types of energy (fat and carbs).

[norak]

White potatoes and milk? (Mashed potatoes made with milk and butter?)

[gingernut]

Thanks for replies.

Based on this:

At this juncture, I say eat what you know makes you feel your best so you're in a good place physically and mentally for it.

I was thinking exactly this:

Berries and cream. It's not too heavy and will supply you with both types of energy (fat and carbs).

Sounds very good to me!

[gingernut]

White potatoes and milk? (Mashed potatoes made with milk and butter?)

Would happily eat this too but would want it hot and that's not really possible under the circumstances.

[Cary]

Hi gingernut,
I will advice you to take protein shakes before swimming and avoid eating processed food.
You can take fresh fruits or raw food salad also.

[js290]

Nothing...

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[SoccerGrok]

+1 to nothing, or maybe some sweet potatoes/white rice(good carbs) the night before...Protein post swim within 30 minutes to help in recovery.