Well, we’re going. The kiwi is racing. I honestly didn’t know if it was going happen after last week’s bad week of training. As an athlete, he questioned his fitness. As a wife, I knew he was just stressed, it was hot (which makes it hard to perform certain KEY workouts), and he just needed some reassurance.
So what did I do? I prayed, I hoped, I had faith. I’m a bit of a HOPE CHASER. But I think it helps in times like these. Helps to push through, to endure, to believe. Believe in those God sized dreams.
I believe in these words.. So perfect, ya know?
“But hope is chased even when hurt is large and boulders abound. The snapshots I took when I could inhale the fragrance of hope because it was in the same room as I was, those snapshots beckon me when grief, trials, or hard work surround. Friend, if we don’t take snapshots of hope and hold them in our hearts, the ugly will consume us.”
So yes, we’re going. A weekend race is upon. One that might make HIM or BREAK HIM. But you never know unless you try. I’ll be sherpa. I’ll cheer. I’ll chase that hope.
And I’ll keep the “Cotter feeding zone” full of good stuff.
Race week means less volume, just fine tuning. A little less carbs than a high volume week. More balanced meals, good fats, omegas, and protein. Race week is also when I like to focus on foods that help ease stress . Salmon or Tuna, omega rich eggs, nuts/seeds, etc. I also try to get in at least one meal that is iron rich. Usually grass feed beef with bell peppers (vit c) for good absorption. Just keeping things “clean” you might say. I guess better put the Pillsbury away for now. Haha.
Here’s a look into the Cotter Feeding Zone during race week.
Love Grown Foods Super Oats with Chia (omegas) and Peaches, Greek yogurt, and a little maple/molasses on top.
Gluten free and organic breakfast tacos from or favorite local café.
Lots of Sushi Salads. These are a favorite. Basically a deconstructed sushi roll on top of a bed of spinach. Goes great with wasabi dressing and avocado. I just mix wasabi with grapeseed oil and a little balsamic vinegar.
Applegate turkey, hummus, and broccoli slaw sandwiches on gluten free buns.
Fresh Basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and pepper on roasted butternut squash (Vit A and good Carbs).
Snack plates: Sprouted corn tortillas with organic cream cheese, turkey, and cucumber. Bananas topped with nuttzo (omegas) and fig jam, bell peppers (vit C).
And lots of BIG GREEN Smoothies with coconut oil added for extra nutrients (good fats, omegas)
Alright, I think we’re feeling good! Now we just need the mind to be race ready!
What’s in your feeding zone this week? Favorite pre race meal?
Cheers,
LC
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
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Linz @ Itz Linz says
August 21, 2013 at 6:03 AMi want you to cook for me. like everyday. 🙂
LCCotter says
August 21, 2013 at 6:17 AMi cook, you blend smoothies, k?
Miz says
August 21, 2013 at 6:26 AMyou had me nodding at G-D KNOWING WHAT G-D IS DOING.
xoxo
Coco says
August 21, 2013 at 6:38 AMHe is so lucky to have you supporting him. Having someone you love believe in you can make all the difference!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
August 21, 2013 at 6:39 AMHe has a serious advantage, with an amazing sherpa like you! It all looks fantastic. And best of luck to him this weekend!! And strength to you as you support and cheer!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
August 21, 2013 at 6:47 AMI love the looks of that butternut! Can you come be in my feeding zone too? I’m struggling these days. *sigh*
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
August 21, 2013 at 7:02 AMWell, everything looks pretty darn tasty to me! I’ll be sending positive vibes to your hubby this weekend! Best of luck to him!!!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
August 21, 2013 at 7:22 AMSo glad the race is on and I sure hope it all goes well! Need to figure out about that Branson race. Would love to come see him race. Oh, and see you too I suppose 😉 And I need that squash. YUM
Lucie@FitSwissChick says
August 21, 2013 at 7:23 AMI start racing now and hire you as my cook. Deal? You get free Swiss Chocolate! 🙂
That butternut Squash looks heavenly. And I am so jealous on the Super Oats!
misszippy says
August 21, 2013 at 7:32 AMOnce again, wishing I was dining at the Cotter household! Best of luck for this weekend–I am hoping it MAKES him!
Kat says
August 21, 2013 at 7:36 AMsweet potatoes have become a favorite pre run food for me! Good luck to Kiwi!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
August 21, 2013 at 7:49 AMHolding on to snapshots of hope… I like that. Life is definitely full of trials and tribulations, but a good attitude (and good food!!) definitely make it a little easier to get through. Sending good vibes to you and the hubs!
Tiff @ Love Sweat & Beers says
August 21, 2013 at 8:04 AMMmm, I haven’t had butternut squash since winter. Totally missing it! My fav pre-race meal is pb & banana on toast. The night before a race, I usually spring for pasta. Some folks say you don’t need to carbo-load, but I’ll take any excuse for extra carbs. 😉
Amy @ The Little Honey Bee says
August 21, 2013 at 8:14 AMBe my chef for my race weeks?! Wow so yummy! Lucky man/family 🙂 I have my first race on Saturday and am going to have 1/2 english muffin, 1/2 a banana and some PB. Seems to be working!
Jody - Fit at 55 says
August 21, 2013 at 8:19 AMI want to come to your house for the feeding zone!!!!!
Will be thinking of you two & sending good thoughts your way this weekend!
Kim says
August 21, 2013 at 8:31 AMGlad that he is going to race and I will be holding onto hope with you that it is a race that MAKES him!!!
You are a phenomenal sherpa (I’m trying to take virtual lessons!!!).
Kierston @candyfit says
August 21, 2013 at 8:51 AMAn incredible and incredibly wise and loving sherpa you are xo
Good luck to Kiwi Cotter!
Taylor @ Liftingrevolution says
August 21, 2013 at 9:45 AMGood luck to the Kiwi! He’ll do great, especially with the amazing support you offer him. Quite the team!
I’ll keep you guys in my thoughts for race day! Good things to come!
Jolynn @ Lift Pray Love says
August 21, 2013 at 10:03 AMI’m in awe of all the delicious combos you come up with!
Lauren says
August 21, 2013 at 10:14 AMI love the deconstructed sushi salads! Considering I love the burn of wasabi (Weird, but true) this is such a good idea to mix it with just a little bit of balsamic and oil!
jenn @ runnderlust says
August 21, 2013 at 10:22 AMwow, you do an awesome job making sure he is getting the appropriate foods and nutrients! i love reading these posts and getting tips for my own training! 🙂
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
August 21, 2013 at 11:06 AMOMG I really REALLY hope god knows what he is DOING!!!!! I have been having a murderous month and it’s not looking as if it will be shaping up anytime soon. I always hear that it always gets WORSE before it gets better, so I am hoping that this is the worst! LOL
Laura @losingrace says
August 21, 2013 at 11:48 AMI wish I could pay you to come cook for me during race weeks! He’s a lucky man to have you look out for him and support him like you do!
Favorite pre-race meal is salmon with rice and veggies 🙂
Amanda @runtothefinish says
August 21, 2013 at 11:52 AMlove reading about how you approach food and LOVE that you aren’t saying carbo load, oye if I get that question one more time 🙂
Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's says
August 21, 2013 at 12:22 PMMan, that quote resonates with me, especially of late. He definitely knows what He is doing. On another note, your meals look delicious.
Melissa @ Treats With a Twist says
August 21, 2013 at 12:41 PMYou make the food, I’ll bring the treats, deal?
LCCotter says
August 21, 2013 at 1:19 PMyou read my mind!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
August 21, 2013 at 1:05 PMWow! Amazing looking meals for race week! I love using butternut squash and sweet potatoes for my natural carb foods. Just ate some squash as my post workout snack actually!
LCCotter says
August 21, 2013 at 3:20 PMi do that too! soo good with eggs!
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
August 21, 2013 at 2:33 PMHonestly, you’re one of the few GF people I know whose meals don’t look bland and boring! Your eats always look amazing. Sending lots of love to you and lots of luck to your Kiwi ;)!
LCCotter says
August 21, 2013 at 3:20 PMwell that just made my day! THANK YOU Carly!
Kim K says
August 21, 2013 at 2:35 PMwoohooo so excited to see the kiwi tomorrow!!!!
LCCotter says
August 21, 2013 at 3:20 PMGood times! We’re so thankful for YOU!
Lisa says
August 21, 2013 at 3:22 PMOh yes, in life we always go through those ebbs and flows but with a positive attitude and love in our hearts, it at least makes it a bit easier to get through.
All these eats sound like they’d have a positive effect on the racing.
Sending super lucky vibes to you and the Husband!
Brooke says
August 21, 2013 at 4:25 PMYum, yum, YUM. Can you come be my sherpa? James is one lucky man! Good luck to you both. So thankful for HOPE, which stems from FAITH, yes? xoxo
jobo says
August 21, 2013 at 4:26 PMGame – and faith – faces ON!! This is a big weekend ahead, I know, but I think the stars are aligning, the weather is looking utterly perfect, you’ll be fueling James all week and weekend, have the details of the weekend ironed out and I can’t wait to be a tiny tiny part of this weekend, to SEE you both, to SUPPORT you both in any way that we can and to sherpa from afar as much as possible, praying all along the way. ((hug))
purelytwins says
August 21, 2013 at 5:33 PMif we ever train for something will you feed us? 😉
She Rocks Fitness says
August 21, 2013 at 7:53 PMSENDING LOTS OF GOOD VIBES YOUR WAY! XOXO Favorite pre-race meal is always oats, banana or plantain, chia seeds, and obviously a HEAPING T of NuttZO….Nom Nom!
Alison @ racingtales says
August 21, 2013 at 8:47 PMThanks for the great tips! I have a race Sunday, just a small sprint tri, but hoping to podium! I decrease my fiber intake race week to eliminate gastric distress, but try to eat clean at the same time. Glad to say I’ve been following a plan similar to yours, with some steak and tomatoes last night, lots of salady stuff, plenty of greek yogurt and nuts and seeds, and lowering the simple carbs. Good luck to the Kiwi this weekend!
LCCotter says
August 22, 2013 at 12:43 PMlet me know how your race goes! I’ll be cheering!
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
August 21, 2013 at 8:51 PMSo exciting, I’ll be praying the race goes well this weekend!! Although it’s been ages since I’ve raced, my favorite meal was always a bagel, pb, chia seeds, and nooch. I’m so weird. 🙂
Cecilia @MommiesRun says
August 21, 2013 at 8:56 PMDo y’all want to adopt a 34 year old mom of twins? I need you to cook for me, like every single day.
LCCotter says
August 22, 2013 at 12:43 PMof course! The more the merrier!
STUFT Mama says
August 21, 2013 at 9:45 PMLove the inspiration- as always. And holy cow friend- you sure know how to take care of your man. 🙂 Hugs and prayers!
Bre says
August 22, 2013 at 7:41 PMwishing so much I was heading to race there this weekend so I could see you guys 🙂 eats look fabulous as always, and tell James’ to be awesome out there for me. can’t wait to hear all about it, and I’ll be cheering 🙂
LCCotter says
August 23, 2013 at 5:21 AMi wish you were too!
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
August 28, 2013 at 4:59 AMOh wow the roasted squash looks so fabulous! I want to make it!!! 😀