It is much easier to balance a thing that has a large base of support and a low center of gravity. The object won't topple over as a result of little center of gravity wobble because of the wide base and low center of gravity. Therefore, balancing a nail on its base as opposed to its tip would be simpler.
Cookies would not be an effective pre-exercise energizing snack, as their high sugar content would be absorbed quickly by the body, not sustaining the athlete for the duration of their event.
