10/07/2021
With 3 days remaining until the Chicago Marathon, taper/rest and nutrition is incredibly important prior to and after the marathon. Carb loading and proper fats/proteins are our fuel sources to conquer such a 26.2 mile feat.
According to research, "Low glycemic index, carbohydrate-rich meals appear to be a suitable carbohydrate source before prolonged exercise in order to promote the availability of the sustained carbohydrates during exercises. In contrast, a high glycemic index, carbohydrate-rich meal appears to be beneficial for the glycogen storage after exercises by promoting greater glucose and insulin responses."
Ideally one week before and leading up to an aerobic exercise > 90 minutes, carb loading provides longer endurance (via glycogen storage) and decreases the likelihood of "hitting the wall."
How much carbohydrates should you eat?
In the final 3 days leading up to a marathon, 10g/kg/day. Marathoners who weight 150lbs, should be consuming 750g/day of low glycemic index carbohydrates. Examples of these carbohydrates include: dry oats, bananas, nut butter, chickpeas, butternut squash, fruits, vegetables and sweet potatoes.
During a marathon, "a minimum of 22g of carbohydrates/hour is required to observe a performance benefit during exercise." Research has shown that 1g of carbohydrates is burned per minute in >60 minutes of aerobic exercise. Replenishing these burned fuel sources with 2-3 packets of sport gels or 16-40oz of sports drinks is sufficient.
Your recovery starts IMMEDIATELY after your race! After a marathon, "consuming 2g/kg immediately after activity replenishes glycogen stores by 66% more than waiting 2 hours." Examples of high glycemic index carbohydrates (and proteins) for after your race are: PB&J sandwich, chocolate milk, whey protein with almond milk. Glucose & Sucrose = good, Fructose = bad.
Get closer to achieving your goals by understanding carbohydrates' role in supporting your body, health & active lifestyle!
- Dr. Dan Dziekan, DC, CCSP