We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
Carb Loading

derekj222
Posts: 370 Member
I read this article about marathon mistakes: http://beta.active.com/running/Articles/10-Mistakes-to-Avoid-at-Your-Next-Marathon.htm?cmp=291&memberid=149050306&lyrisid=42272417&email=derekj222@gmail.com
It suggest carb loading 72 hours before a marathon, so essentially 3 days out before the race. I have the Erie Marathon this Sunday and May was my first marathon. I did focus the day before on carbs, but that was it. This article suggest we eat 4g of carbs per body weights those 3 days before to build up glycogen. I weigh 178 x 4 = 712g carbs a day...which is A LOT!
Typically I eat about 300 a day right now at 50% of my macros...Does this seem like too much? I'm definitely going to eat a ton Friday and Saturday.
It suggest carb loading 72 hours before a marathon, so essentially 3 days out before the race. I have the Erie Marathon this Sunday and May was my first marathon. I did focus the day before on carbs, but that was it. This article suggest we eat 4g of carbs per body weights those 3 days before to build up glycogen. I weigh 178 x 4 = 712g carbs a day...which is A LOT!
Typically I eat about 300 a day right now at 50% of my macros...Does this seem like too much? I'm definitely going to eat a ton Friday and Saturday.
0
Replies
-
I eat about 300 a day as well, and on my longer runs I didn't eat much different, certainly not 600 like the 4 per lb recommended for my weight. I played around with loading for my HM back in June and I had all I could do to keep 450 down without feeling like a landmonster, however, the next morning I was very energized. I think I did 450ish only on Saturday for my full (no loading prior), and I had plenty in the tank at the end. And 1/4 of that was a big pecan roll from Panera Bread.0
-
I like the sounds of a giant pecan roll from Panera.0
-
I read this article about marathon mistakes: http://beta.active.com/running/Articles/10-Mistakes-to-Avoid-at-Your-Next-Marathon.htm?cmp=291&memberid=149050306&lyrisid=42272417&email=derekj222@gmail.com
It suggest carb loading 72 hours before a marathon, so essentially 3 days out before the race. I have the Erie Marathon this Sunday and May was my first marathon. I did focus the day before on carbs, but that was it. This article suggest we eat 4g of carbs per body weights those 3 days before to build up glycogen. I weigh 178 x 4 = 712g carbs a day...which is A LOT!
Typically I eat about 300 a day right now at 50% of my macros...Does this seem like too much? I'm definitely going to eat a ton Friday and Saturday.
About 30 years ago, I've did a 20.2 mile race*, didn't carbo load, and Ididn't bonk. That event fits into my hazy understanding from the 1970's and 80's that people would "hit the wall" around the 20 mile mark. After that, the runner would have to gut it out for the last 10k.
Fast forward to today - why try to carbo load (which may well not get you much past the wall) when you can pop an energy gel?
*It was also the day I decided that I should quit smoking!0 -
Never had carb loaded. I practice what is known as nutrient timing and don't worry about carbs in excess as a runner.0
This discussion has been closed.