You wouldn’t leave on a big trip without topping off your tank and you shouldn’t start a big race unless you have made sure to properly fuel your body.

If you are running the News and Sentinel Half Marathon Saturday, you should really consider what you are eating between now and Saturday to make sure you are not running on an empty tank when you hit Market Street Saturday morning.

Adding carb-rich food between now and the race will give you the energy to run your best.

Foods such as fruits, veggies and grains are all good ideas. Adding a little more protein to your diet will also help. If you already consume a carb-rich diet, consider eating slightly bigger portions.

Some common foods that people eat to add carbs include:

Grains, which include things such as bread, noodles, and pasta as well as cereals and rice.

Many fruits such as apples, bananas, berries, mangoes, melons and oranges are high in carbs.

Milk and yogurt are dairy products that are high in carbs.

Beans, lentils, and peas.

Snack foods and sweets, such as cakes, cookies, candy, and other desserts are also high in carbs, but they are filled with other things that are not all that healthy for you.

Potatoes, corn, and other starchy vegetables are also good sources of carbs.

Runners of the News and Sentinel Half Marathon will have spiked their carbs the night before the race by enjoying the pasta dinner. Held at the St. Xavier Social Hall a few yards from the finish line, the dinner is not only a great opportunity to get your fill of pasta but also enjoy the fellowship of the other racers who you will be competing with the following morning.

On race morning, most of the energy you will need for the race is already stored in your body. Only you can determine if you want to eat something or not. Some prefer to work out with an empty stomach while others opt for something light, like a banana that will not cause you intestinal discomfort as you bounce along the racecourse.

During the race some people will opt to carry a little something with them. We will have snacks for you at the finish line — during the race we will make sure you stay hydrated with water and Gatorade.

Regardless of how you choose to fuel up pre-race, be cautious about adding anything to your diet that your body may decide it is not particularly fond of. Running down the middle of a street with a large group of strangers is not a location where you want to have issues with something you ate.

Once you finish your race Saturday remember to return to the St. Xavier Hall for a pizza lunch and a chance to brag to others about how great of a time you had.

Art Smith is co-race director of the News and Sentinel Half Marathon and online manager of the newspaper.