Happy Boston Marathon Monday! I wish every one of you runners good luck in the big race!

While I'm not running with the athletes of the Boston Marathon, I'm always inspired by this amazing event and I can only hope to qualify for it one day. In the meantime, I have been training for a marathon of arguably equal difficulty on the opposite coast. I'll be running the Big Sur Marathon less than one week from now, and I'm already thinking about what to eat before, during and after the race.

I have to admit that training for a marathon has forced me to reign in my usual eating frenzy, which makes for less dining out and a lot more homecooking. It also helps that Foodie Guy has been on a balanced-meal kick. To keep from getting too bored with grilled chicken, we've come up with some creative healthy dinners, and it's paid off.  Amazing how much easier it is to run when you weigh even 5 lbs. less!

Of course I still crave hot fudge sundaes and Sal's Sicilian.

All that said, I thought I'd share just a few of my favorite snacks, treats and running fuel foods to get me to, and hopefully through, the big race. As you'll be told in many running blogs and magazines, not everything works the same for everybody, so don't try to switch up foods right before a race.

1. Pasta: Is it any suprise that every marathon has a pre-race pasta party? Hello carbs! Foodie Guy and I are hoping to get into the early bird seating this Saturday.

2. Graham crackers: I'm in the habit of eating a graham cracker or two before a long run, which always occur pre-breakfast. You have to have something in your stomach, and these are just right. I'll have them with me for Big Sur.

3. Orange slices: There's nothing better than receiving an orange slice from someone working your race route. I've received orange slices in several half marathons, and they perked me right up. I'm not sure if it worked more because of the sudden burst of flavor, or the sugar, but it works.

4. Chocolate and vanilla GU: I will never run long distance again without my GU. These 100-calorie packs make it easier to maintain my pace, but more importantly they're something to anticipate. A chocolate GU tastes more like a chocolate truffle at mile 19. Clif Bar makes something similar to GU called Clif Shot -- the difference being that it's organic.

5. Watermelon: I crave watermelon after long runs, and I eat a lot of it. It doesn't replace water and fluids, of course, but it helps me recover and replenish, until I remember to fill the Mets cup with Poland Springs again. I never drink enough water.

After Big Sur, the foodie eating returns again! We'll have plenty to report from our trip west.

Until then, happy dining (and running)!

FC