Running and carbs

fteale

I try to keep my carbs low if possible - I don't usually eat bread, rice, pasta or potatoes, but I am finding on the days I run I crave carbs, and if I don't get it in complex form, I start really needing sugar. I have read in running magazines that runners shouldn't low carb. Does anyone here have any experience of trying to run longish distances on a low carb diet, or should I give in and reintroduce bread? I did cave and have a cucumber sandwich at lunch today. I only eat wholemeal, though.

jessicajoy87

I think that you should add a serving of healthy carbs before you run. Low carb dieting isn't good for long workouts but for short, intense workouts. People have been known, runners specifically, to pass out during prolonged exercise when on low carb diets. Your body naturally uses carbs as energy and that is what naturally energizes your body. I think as long as the low carb foods you are eating are healthy, like lean meats, lots of veggies, and nuts, if you add a serving of whole grain it will not harm your weightloss. I really think that it would be safer if you do. There is going to be a lot of controversy over this topic, I would recommend asking your local nutritionist or Dr. I hope you get this worked out!

natskedat

Distance runners should not have a low carb diet! Carbohydrates convert to glycogen, which is the main fuel your muscles use while running! You're going to get a lot of crazy answers here. I'm in the midst of writing an article on the subject.

If you're not convinced, go online and find out the pre-race meals of athletes like Dean Karnazes, Chris McCormack, and Deena Kastor (ultra marathoner, Ironman triathlete, Olympic marathoner). Look up the pre-workout meals for Lance Armstrong, or for any distance athlete. It's carbs, and a lot of them.

Without carbs, they've got no gas in the tank.

Good luck!

jessicajoy87

Distance runners should not have a low carb diet! Carbohydrates convert to glycogen, which is the main fuel your muscles use while running! You're going to get a lot of crazy answers here. I'm in the midst of writing an article on the subject.

If you're not convinced, go online and find out the pre-race meals of athletes like Dean Karnazes, Chris McCormack, and Deena Kastor (ultra marathoner, Ironman triathlete, Olympic marathoner). Look up the pre-workout meals for Lance Armstrong, or for any distance athlete. It's carbs, and a lot of them.

Without carbs, they've got no gas in the tank.

Good luck!

LOL! You must have responded to a low carb post before too!

parvati

Carbs are a nessessary part of the energy systems in our body!! You NEED carbs!!
Stay away from processed white carbs, those are the bad ones.
If you are working out (running) & not eating carbs, you are not fueling your body & it will not run efficiently for you!
Example: if you do not put gas/fuel in your car it will not run. Also the faster/harder you drive your car, the more fuel & maintenance it needs.

Immediately after you workout there is a half an hour window in which you need to replenish the energy stores that your body has used during your workout. This is when your body needs simple carbs & they immediately turn into energy to be used for your next workout! If you don't refuel, you won't have what it takes to
make it through your next workout.

That is not the only reason to eat carbs, there are a million! You just need to eat the good ones! Believe me, low carb diets do not work!

fteale

I think up until now I have been managing ok on my copious fat reserves, but I have noticed in the last week I am getting more tired, and the one really good, fast, efficient run I had was on Sunday evening after eating all the things I don't normally like toast and danish pastries (we were at a wedding, I got carried away). I have never felt better running than then, even though I felt like a fat bloater. It made me think, actually, I think my body wants more fuel.

TK421NotAtPost

Athletic performance generally suffers on a low carb diet if you don't cycle in some carbs before the workout or event.

av8rblond

I find this topic SO helpful..but now I am confused a little.

I understand about the carb thing, but now as to when to eat.

I have heard both pro and against eating before a long run as your body will use the new food rather than the old fat storage to fuel you and therefore you are no farther ahead. Then I have experienced not eating and going for a long run and feeling like I am dragging a 1000 pound weight set on me as I run.

I am interested to hear what the opinions are..as I feel like a pendulum going back and forth with the eat / don't eat controversy.

fteale

I don't eat beforehand if I am running first thing in the morning, but actually I run faster when I do it later in the day and have had some food. That's all the experience I have.

lclarkjr

If you are serious about running, or serious about improving your running performance then lo-carb is not the way to go. Carbs = running fuel.

If I am running longer than an hour, or if I am doing speed workouts, I always eat before a run. Even if it's early in the morning I at least have an energy gel so I have something in my system. Runs of 10+ miles and I eat something like a bagel with peanut butter and bananas about 2 hours before I start. Then of course consume something with carbs along the way every 45-60 minutes.

GooBeGone

so i'm thinkin abt doin adkins & i'm a runner. so i've found this information abt low carb while runnin. lemme know what u think

A study on Ketogenic diets and physical performance:
http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/1/1/2

About Myth Of Carbo Loading:
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/atkins-nutritional-approach/545713-question-about-endurance-event.html

Low-carb marathoners burn fat for fuel:
http://livinlavidalocarb.blogspot.com/2006/10/low-carb-marathon-runners-burn-fat-for.html