Before I ran the LA marathon last month I posted a blog asking for opinions regarding what Holosfitness.com members thought was the best pre-race meal. At the time my focus was very short-sighted. I was interested in what I could eat immediately before the race that would optimize my performance.

In this discussion, one Holosfitness.com member, Joe Eagan, aptly pointed out that the pre-race meal isn't nearly as important as the nutritional basis you've been building while training. I went on to read more on the topic and it seems Joe's advice is right on. Building a proper nutritional base while training is just as important as any exercises or workouts you can be doing. 

Unfortunately each training routine likely has different requirement, but I did find some general guidelines that help most athletes in training (or simply those looking to live a physically active lifestyle). Iron is one key ingredient mentioned that can help to build muscle mass. Carbohydrates are of vital importance to provide continued energy while training. Other necessary building blocks include: antioxidants, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 and monosaturated fatty acids. According to Karen Daigle, a physiologist for the USOC, this will, "optomize the ability to recover, maintain a strong immune system, and support training and growth".

So the short story is that nutrition needs to be a daily focus in your active lifestyle. Look to practice balanced nutrition based upon natural products that your body can easily digest. A pre-race meal isn't nearly as important as what you've eaten the day before the race, the week before the race, and the month before the race.

What you eat after the race to celebrate your accomplishment is an entirely different discussion (as can be seen in the attached photo).