Carb loading

[David]

I heard of people doing this years ago. Before a race  maybe a week or so would consume a lot of carbs ie pasta etc. Anyone ever do this, any comments for or against?


Thanks

Dave

 

[Newt]

At one time there was a specific protocol for carb loading before an event, time and studies later show not much for/against it. Typically you want to make sure you start an event not depleted with your glycogen levels topped up. This also depends on your event as in shorter races it's not as critical as long races. I just tend to stay away from a lot of fibre 24hrs preevent and stick to foods easily digested.

For Ironman type events typically the reduction in training (taper) while maintaining your typical eating habits will top stores up.

Peace
Peter

[David]

Thanks Peter. I have never done this before but have seen people in the military doing this before a long march/run which may include carring a backpack etc. No one ever said that it made a big difference and one of the guys actually fell out of the race.