Jonny,
No, I don't carb load. But, I'm not sure I shouldn't. I tend to just eat 'normal' the day before.
I drink a green tea on the way over to a race, which usually, hopefully get me ready to 'empty' myself (if you know what I mean) right before the race. My main concern is not having to pee after the race has started, which sucks valuable minutes, so I don't drink anything an hour before the race. And lately I've just been drinking water during races, avoiding gatorade and anything with suger. the only thing I would eat during a marathon is fruit.
Again, whether all this is the right thing to do, I don't know. Hope this helps!
john
johnsbarefootrunningblog.blogspot.com