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!

glycogen vs fat burning question

Sherylmarlee
Sherylmarlee Posts: 224 Member
edited January 1 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all! I think I understand the concept between the two...my main question is, can you/do you feel "it" switch over so to speak? I have been adding mileage to my runs and towards the end I have a burning in my gut - a good burning, not painful, just noticeable. I don't necessarily feel like I am going to bonk, but It does feel different. Just curious how someone may know if and when they have depleted their glycogen stores. I enjoy a lower carb diet typically, but do pay attention to adding healthy carbs the evening before a longer run. Any insight would be helpful....many thanks!

Replies

  • MrDelts
    MrDelts Posts: 209 Member
    Believe it or not, the majority of burning pains in the abdominal region during exercise, especially running, is usually acid reflux brought on by the exercise.

    During my "bodybuilding" days, I would cut down to 80 grams of carbs or lower in order to burn fat. The main difference was energy level. Burning fat for fuel definitely does not make you feel as energized as glycogen stores. I've never felt a pin pointed "switch" nor have I ever heard of anyone who has.
  • Sherylmarlee
    Sherylmarlee Posts: 224 Member
    Would reflux be felt in the lower abdomen? That's where I feel it. My core is pretty strong, so I assume it is not from abdominal fatigue.
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    My understanding is that it takes ~ 3 hours of running to deplete your glycogen stores. Hence "the wall" being at 20 miles.

    How many miles are you running?
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    My understanding is that it takes ~ 3 hours of running to deplete your glycogen stores. Hence "the wall" being at 20 miles.

    How many miles are you running?

    Could be as little as 90 minutes, depending on fitness level.

    OP, maybe you are just getting that wonderful endorphin rush???
  • Sherylmarlee
    Sherylmarlee Posts: 224 Member
    My understanding is that it takes ~ 3 hours of running to deplete your glycogen stores. Hence "the wall" being at 20 miles.

    How many miles are you running?

    Hmmmm.....I am under the 3 hour mark. I am running 8-10 wooded, curvy trail miles and adding every week. I do add HIIT into the runs as well. With the added HIIT and warm up cool down I am right around 2 hours. Oh, there are two laps of a steep 1/2 mile hill that I lunge up as well during this "run".
This discussion has been closed.

Categories