An ill-prepared endurance athlete can experience glycogen depletion, also called "hitting the wall" or "bonking". Glycogen depletion occurs when all of the body's glycogen (or energy) stores have been almost or completely used up without any type of glycogen consumption.
More: 4 Fully Loaded Meals to Carry You Through Race Day
Foods high in carbohydrates load your body with glycogen, allowing for glycogen stored in the muscles and red blood cells to be released during long-term strenuous exercise.
Pre-race carbo loading include foods such as:
Pasta
- Stay away from cream-based sauces.
- Pair with a substantial protein such as salmon.
More: How to Fuel From Offseason to Race Season
Rice or Quinoa
- Pair with a quality protein such as fish or chicken breast.
Mid-race consumption is equally important. Replenish your body's glycogen to ensure that there is enough energy to complete your race. This will also aid in the prevention of injury.
Popular mid-race foods include:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
- Use whole grain bread.
More: 10 Natural Race Food Alternatives
Protein Bars
- Try different bars throughout training to find what you like best.
Post-race nutrition is often overlooked but is just as important for recovery and glycogen replenishment. A meal post-race is nearly identical to pre-race:
- Consume a ratio of 4 g carbohydrates to every 1 g of protein
- Recommended within two hours of finishing your race
More: Recovery Nutrition Guidelines After Hard Exercise
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