. To read the full article - including Gordon Ramsay's perfect pre-race dinner and Michel Roux Jnr's favourite recovery fuel - subscribe now. You'll even save 30 per cent on your annual subscription by doing so right here online. Race-morning breakfast

leading up to, and following a 26.2-miler. Their task: to create a dish with the right balance of carbs, protein and fat to propel runners to the finish line and help them recover from their effort. Bon appetit! Pre-race dinner - Powered-up pasta

Q. I've had stomach issues when racing. I'm about to do an Ironman and am considering taking Imodium. Is this a bad idea?A. No. Between 20 and 40 per cent of all serious runners experience bowel problems when running. Anxiety and mechanical forces

’s best friend, but just like chums, you have to choose your carbs wisely. The Dos and Don'ts of Race Nutrition (non-subscriber preview)Tasty tips and easy recipes to help you plan your perfect race build-up diet.Nutrition FAQs Frequently-asked questions

: your calorie and carbohydrate intake needs to match your training energy output. However, as your training volume increases and then tapers, so should your food intake. Planning your pre-race diet needn't be a nutritional nightmare: here are 25 handy

a half) for women.There are also benefits linked to recovery from exercise, says nutritionist Kim Pearson (www.equilibria-health.co.uk). "Beer contains predominantly water and carbohydrate, both of which are essential in post-race recovery," she says

to match your training energy output. However, as your training volume increases and then tapers, so should your food intake. Planning your pre-race diet needn't be a nutritional nightmare: here are 25 handy do's and don'ts to help get you started

the next day. How late you eat the night before isn't too big a concern, unless it affects your sleep patterns. Breakfast is the most important meal to time right.Q. How much water should I drink on the morning of the race? I want to drink enough water

be at risk of nutritional deficiencies as well as poor physical performance.General healthy-eating guidelines as well as specialist requirements for athletes apply to meat-eaters and vegetarians. You daily aim should be to base your meals and snacks

going for longer. It's also great if you're trying to lose weight as it keeps you feeling full. Fruit and fibre In other words, fresh fruit and foods that are packed with fibre. A recent study in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise