MALIBU—Running is the one time I am able to shut off my mind and let my body take over.  Life suddenly becomes simple.  My body speaks and I listen.  “Drink!”  it shouts and I drink.  “Eat!” it screams and I eat.  “Danger!” it senses and my legs pick up speed to pass the barking dog.  “Shade!” it orders and I run to the other side of the street into the shade.  My body is more intelligent than I give it credit. Ever since taking up running, it is the first time I have been forced to truly listen to my body.  In a way, I become like an animal as the only thoughts that enter my mind are instinctual.  Before you flip the switch to shut off your mind and follow your instincts, however, you must understand the ground rules for proper nutrition and hydration.

Part of marathon training is figuring out what your body likes to eat before, during and after your long run. The majority of runners prefer pasta the night before the race.  It’s easy to digest and provides plenty of energy for the following day. Bernard Lagat, 2007 World Outdoor 1,500m and 5,000m champion, eats a massive steak the night before he races.  Find out what works for you and stick with it. The night before the race isn't the time to try any new or exotic foods. 

During the race, you want to be able to listen to your entire body, not just your stomach.  To give you an extra kick and stave off muscle fatigue, you should also eat something during the marathon.  Oranges and pretzels are common as well as electrolyte gels.  The Malibu Marathon course will provide Lava Gel at mile 17 and 21.  Lava Gel has 100 percent natural energizing nutrients and is a favorite of endurance athletes throughout the world. 

Calculating how many ounces you need to drink and when while factoring the temperature and how much you are sweating can be exhausting!  All the studies about this subject seem to boil down to one simple solution: drink when you are thirsty.  Do not over think this part of training.  If you are thirsty, drink.  If you aren’t thirsty, don’t feel compelled to drink.  Again, check in with your body; if your urine is very pale yellow, you’re in good shape, if not drink, more!  Drinking water the day before the marathon and the morning of the marathon will help you stay hydrated.  Make sure to drink both water and electrolytes during the race.  Electrolytes are important as they replenish the body and help you retain more fluids than plain water.  The Malibu Marathon course will provide Zico Pure Coconut Water as the electrolyte throughout the course.  ZICO is 100 percent pure coconut water with five electrolytes and more potassium than a banana.  We recommend you to try these products before the race to make sure your body enjoys them.

Now that you know these basic facts, you will be able to flip the switch, run like an animal and let your body do all the work until you cross the finish line. 

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