Nutrition 101

Your diet before a meet or workout should consist primarily of carbohydrates. Energy bars such as PowerBars, Balance Bars and similar products are very good, as are fruits such as bananas, apples and pears. You may also eat cereal, bagels, or toast. Avoid citrus fruits. Avoid drinking milk (you may have a little on cereal if you choose). Milk produces lactic acid in the body, which is the substance that causes stiffness and pain in your muscles after a hard run. You body will produce enough lactic acid on its own without you having to add to it by drinking a lot of milk.