The Best Carb Loading Foods For Running
If you're a runner, you know that the right nutrition is key to peak performance. Carb loading is a tried-and-true strategy to ensure that you have enough energy to power through long runs and races. But with so many options out there, what are the best carb loading foods for running? In this article, we'll explore some of the top choices to help you fuel up before your next big run.
Now, it’s important for me to say that you don’t need to go mental during carb loading and this isn’t a green light from me to go bonkers on the sweeties!!
But
This is where conventional wisdom goes out the window with long race nutrition!
Actually eating sugary stuff in the 72 hours or so before a race is one of the best ways to get your glycogen stores up, hence the addition of Oreo’s and Haribo into my pre-race meal planI also really enjoy a pizza the night before… I am going to make enemies here, but for me it’s got to be a Ham and Pineapple pizza 🍕
🍍Pineapple, does indeed belong on pizza 😂
The aforementioned conventional wisdom is that big bowls of pasta and rice are the order of the day, but this simply isn’t the case.
Firstly, to get well saturated glycogen stores with pasta, you’d have to eat a hell of a lot of pasta to fill them up.
Secondly, all that pasta before a race will leave you feeling lethargic, bloated and, probably, needing to shit every few miles during the race. So, stop your pasta parties the night before a race and start loading 3 ish days out, but also don’t go mental!
The fact you are tapering means you are using less glycogen stores in training anyway
If you are going to load then don’t be afraid to reach for the sweeties
Safe as fuck 🙌🏻
In conclusion, incorporating the best carb loading foods into your running nutrition plan can make all the difference in your performance. From sweet potatoes to oatmeal, pasta to bananas, there are plenty of tasty options to choose from. Experiment with different foods and find what works best for your body. By fuelling up with the right carbs, you'll be well on your way to achieving your running goals.
For more information on carb-loading or if you're ready for expert coaching to improve your running performance, contact me at nick@maximummileagecoaching.com
