Question about pre-Half Carb "loading"

So_Much_Fab

Hi all! Just stumbled into the group today.

I'm doing my first half on 5/5. I've looked through some of the thread here regarding 'carb loading' the day or few days before the race. From what I'm seeing you shouldn't go all out but rather just fuel up with good carbs.

Wondering what's worked best for some of you more experienced halfers in this regard?

mair123

Hi! I am running my first 1/2 on May 5th too. Good luck!!! I am sure you are as excited and nervous as I am. The pace director for my race just brought up carb loading today. I am sure Runner's World has a ton of articles on this too. From what I have seen/read, it really isn't a good idea to go crazy with carbs the entire week of the race. In fact, many people find that they gain a few lbs. The ideal window to introduce healthy carbs into your diet would be Friday-Saturday. I'd assume vegetables like broccoli, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta and brown rice are good choices. I guess I should start thinking more about what my meals will look like the few days before race day. And I am sure you have heard this quite often- NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY!

mmk137

I eat the same, I just eat a little more fat, so if anything I 'fat' load, that way I burn "fat" not carbs.

runners acadamy and ben greenfield talk about this more extensively.

hazymary

I just ran my first 1/2...Yes I carb loaded..not in excess, some pasta and sweet potato..also very important to increase your protein and sodium...eat pretzels and HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE !! Best of luck on your race !

iWaffle

I just eat good during the week and those longer runs aren't any sort of an issue. I run 13 or more pretty much every weekend. No loading necessary. If you're not used to the distance you might just want to make sure you're not doing some sort of Atkins diet and skipping carbs but I don't know that you need to load up on the pasta for that distance.

HMVOL7409

I only eat more carbs starting 2 days prior and only up to 60%. I stay within my goals but change the type I eat such as white over wheat bc fiber and too much of it kills me on long runs. I have to cut dairy too. Of course you may be a few pounds heavier, more carbs equals more water weight as that's what they hold onto! It's not for everyone and no you don't have to do it, it's all what works for you. My body and blood sugars thank me after bc with the extra distance, the excitement and stress of the race I bottom out pretty fast if I don't. Good luck! Mine is Saturday and I can't wait!!

rayvynn5374

just came across this and figured I would share.

http://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-for-runners/carboloading-helps-first-time-marathoners

iWaffle

14 miles @ 8:27 pace this last weekend. No carb loading unless you count that I ate a couple pop tarts before I went out for my run. Plenty of energy the entire run. I had a 100 calorie Cliff energy shot at around mile 6 and mile 10.