I now have a working plan when I approach a ride event or race that involves a dedicated “race” shopping list, preparing and packing real food for the day of the event (especially since most often they require a fair amount of travel and overnight stays), and making sure I have ready-to-go, palatable, and replenishing post-race food and hydration that I make a point to consume immediately  (within a half hour) after finishing. The post race nutrition has been pivotal in not only feeling like I am evolving and improving as an athlete, but also reaping the benefits of feeling strong, replenished, and prepared to recover properly in preparation for the next event. I have also felt healthier and have suffered from less fatigue/stress headaches and malaise - especially considering the extraneous expenditure of energy in preparation/travel/packing/coordinating/etc. that compounds the actual physical demands of racing! 

ERIN A.