Carbo-Load.

To carbo-load or not to carbo-load.  That is the question.

My favorite food group.

When preparing for my last marathon that didn’t really happen, I didn’t bother to carbo-load. I used to be better about this when I first started running and racing but now am more freaked out by packing on even more weight in the days leading up to a race rather than being as fueled as humanly possible.  Now that I get a do-over, I am wondering if maybe I should put a little more effort into this aspect of racing.  Last time I only made it to 15 miles before they called the race but I was already starting to feel a little “wall” popping up… and I honestly don’t know how much longer I would have been able to run in that state.  Maybe it had nothing to do with carbo-loading but just maybe it did…

Oh these were GOOD carbs!

I’ve been doing a little google research these last few days (scientific, I know!) but it’s leading me to think maybe I SHOULD give myself every advantage I can in trying to cross this stinking marathon finish line finally.  I found one article that was especially convincing from Run Your BQ.  I would be joking if I thought I was capable of running a BQ race but I don’t think that exempts me from being able to use some of their tips to run MY best marathon!

Also GOOD carbs!!

According to the article, I should aim to consume 500-700g of carbohydrates for 2-3 days before the race.  That’s a TON of carbs… I normally eat about 200ishg I would guess.  If there is any truth in this theory, I would pretty much be setting myself up to fail by only consuming 200-300gs the few days before.  So I think I am going to give it a shot.  Worst case scenario I gain 5 more lbs from marathon training and it does nothing to help.  Best case scenario, it actually does something and helps me come race day.  I don’t really think the worst case scenario would be the end of the world.  What’s another 5lbs at this point??

If only I could carbo-load at the all you can eat pancake joint in TN!!

So my plan consists of the following:

Thursday: Increase carbs to 400-450g, light workout

Friday: Increase carbs to 500-550, light workout (1-2 mile jog/walk)

Saturday: Increase carbs to 600-700, no workout

Sunday: Race Day Breakfast, per usual

I’m not really sure if I could even fit that many grams of carbs in my belly so I am going to have to drink some of those carbs if I am going to really hit 700 on Saturday.  Doing the math, 700g carbs=2,800 calories of straight carbs!!  Yikes!  This could be interesting but if I am really having trouble getting all those carbs in, I won’t worry too much about it but those are my goals!  Come race day, I guess we will see if this helps anything or not.  But it will probably make my glutenous tendencies very happy

Bring on the pasta, muffins, bread and cereals!

Time to EAT!

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

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