Should one load up the day(s) before a race on sport drinks. For loading on sodium and water. I’ve heard some cases for both sides. What do slowtwitchers think?
For carbo loading it may be a very good idea as you wouldn’t pack in a much roughage with solid foods. I would look more at maltodextrin long chain carbs for this and gatorade may not fit the bill as well. Either way, lots of liquids, 2qts+ is the way to go.
I would add that all the experts I’ve heard, recommend salting everything you eat, liberally for 1-2 days before a race. I personally put on 1-3 lbs. during that time, presumably all from salt and water. That’s water I don’t have to cram down my throat before the race. I have also started salting my morning tea or coffee (ugh!) on race days. Then I don’t urinate as much.
Gatorade is very high glycemic. I don’t think it’s a great idea to have your blood glucose spiking up and down the day before the race…
I like the idea of eating salty food and drinking a lot of water better
I “sodium load” the day before the race by eating a lot of salty foods. Then on race day, I drink all the Gatorade I can get down until about an hour before the race. If it’s really hot and/or humid, I’ll take a salt tablet, too. I seem to sweat/cramp more than most people, but this regimen has worked for me.