Last weekend, I ran a half marathon in Davis, West Virginia, and let me tell you, it was an adventure both on the trail and in the kitchen! While I was excited about the race, I quickly realized that finding local gluten-free, vegan food in such a remote area would be nearly impossible. We were staying in a small hotel with no kitchen, so I had to be prepared with all my meals. Here’s a rundown of what I ate and how I managed to stay fueled and energized for the big race.
On the Road – Harrisburg, PA Pit Stop
Before we even made it to West Virginia, we took a break in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Luckily, we found a Red Robin on the way. If you follow a gluten-free, vegan diet, you probably already know how tricky it can be to eat out, but Red Robin is a great option. I ordered their veggie burger with a gluten-free bun, and topped it with pickles, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup. The best part? Their endless fries, which are also vegan and gluten-free! This was the perfect road trip meal to keep me satisfied until we arrived at our hotel.
Breakfast – Tofu Scramble with Gluten-Free Wraps
Once we arrived in Davis, I knew I had to stick to my pre-planned meals since there were no local restaurants catering to my dietary needs. For breakfast, I made a tofu scramble ahead of time and brought gluten-free wraps with me. The scramble was packed with fresh vegetables like peppers and kale to keep things nutritious and flavorful. I quickly heated the wraps in a microwave, stuffed them with the tofu scramble, and had a delicious, filling breakfast each morning. This meal was packed with protein and fiber, which helped me stay energized throughout the day, especially before the race. You can find the full tofu scramble recipe on my blog for all the details!
Lunch – 7 Bean Burgers
Lunch was all about convenience, and I found a fantastic option in the 7 bean burger mix by Augason Farms. It’s a dehydrated mix that only requires water. After adding water and allowing it to hydrate, I cooked the burgers in a nonstick pan until they were crispy and browned on both sides. These bean burgers were perfect for a quick, hearty lunch in the hotel, and they packed a ton of flavor. The best part? You can make these at home, too! Check out my blog for step-by-step instructions.
Dinner – 4-Ingredient Taco Mix
For dinner, I kept things super simple but incredibly tasty. I made a 4-ingredient taco mix using black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a taco seasoning packet. This versatile mix can be used in a gluten-free wrap, like a taco, or eaten on its own as a bowl, similar to chili. Either way, it was a delicious, warming dinner after a long day. Plus, it was easy to store in the mini-fridge in our hotel room.
Snack – Fresh Mango
Lastly, for a sweet and refreshing snack, I cut up two ripe mangos before the trip. Mangos are a great portable option, and they were the perfect snack to satisfy my sweet tooth after meals or during breaks between race prep.
Staying Fueled While Traveling
While Davis, West Virginia didn’t have many local food options that fit my gluten-free, vegan diet, I was able to stay on track by planning ahead and preparing all of my meals. It’s not always easy to find plant-based and gluten-free food in remote areas, but with a little prep work, you can still enjoy delicious, nutritious meals no matter where your travels take you. If you want to recreate any of these meals, check out my blog for all the recipes!
Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever been in a similar situation, and how you managed your diet while traveling. Happy eating and running!
