Carbohydrates - Why They are Vital for Runners
Carbohydrates are sugars and starches that the body utilizes for energy.
They are extremely necessary to sustain energy levels in your body so that you can not only feel better while running but also help you go the distance in terms of marathon running.
They are one of the most critical things that you need as a runner!
Skip to the bottom of this page to see why.
The 2 Types of Carbohydrates
There are two main types of "carbs": simple and complex.
1. Simple carbs
These carbs are an instant energy source. Most are high calorie foods such as processed/refined sugars and foods.
Examples: chips, sugary cereals, candy bars, ice cream
Yes, these are most of the tastier foods that we love to eat!
They provide “quick energy” but it doesn’t last long. That being the case we should try to limit our intake of these.
2. Complex carbs
These carbs are typically lower in fat and calories and have higher amounts of fiber. They give the body greater amounts of energy that last for longer periods of time.
Examples:
- fruits
- vegetables such as broccoli, peas and beans
- whole grains
- rice - choose brown rice
- pasta - particularly whole wheat
You could probably guess that the healthier foods contain the “good carbs”.
The Importance of Carbohydrates in Endurance and Marathon Running
Don’t skimp on this nutrient especially the complex carbs when you are training for a marathon.
Many people in the health field tell us to avoid eating carbs in order to lose weight, increase energy, so on and so far.
However when you are logging many miles and expending large amounts of energy as in running long distances (or even short!), your body primarily NEEDS carbs!
When you run, the body uses carbs and fat as it's fuel source.
Here's what happens when you eat carbs:
1. They are converted into glycogen - to be technical: a polysaccharide which forms glucose.
2. They are then transported to the muscles and the liver where they will be stored.
3. When you exercise you burn those carbs as they give you your energy.
4. If you do not exercise they will eventually be converted into fat - hence the weight loss experts advising us to avoid carbohydrates.
The more intense your run or workout is, the more you will burn carbohydrates.
However at the same time you will be burning a percentage of your fat stores.
When you go out on a long run, your body needs to have large stores of carbs in order to go the distance. If your body is depleted of carbs, you will not be able to go far.
This carb depletion is referred to has "hitting the wall" or "crashing", "bonking".
Therefore, you can NOT be an endurance or marathon runner and eat a low carbohydrate diet.
So eat carbs, the complex carbs.
Whole wheat, vegetables, fruit, healthy breads, pastas, and cereals. When you have a long run or race scheduled, eat more of them in order to increase your storage levels. (This is called carbo loading. )
If you are running over an hour at a time then take some kind of carbohydrate whether in the form of food or drink. Supplementing during your runs of 1 hour or longer has been proven time and again to improve endurance performance.
(See the energy drink guidelines and are you on the GU gel bandwagon?)
And the next time you are offered that delicious looking bread or a slice of chocolate cake, don't sweat the small stuff, indulge.
You've earned it, and as a runner you will burn it.
That is the beauty of running.
But if you want to really learn how to eat like a successful marathoner then you need the EAT LIKE A MARATHONER Nutrition Course!
The Ultimate Guide to eating and fueling for marathon training and racing success! + get access and develop your own personalized marathon nutrition plan to implement before your marathon with our 9 STEP Prep Plan!
Get access to the EAT LIKE A MARATHONER Nutrition Course here!
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Hi! I'm Molly! I combined my love for running with my Exercise Science degree to provide training plans and resources to help runners achieve their marathon goals!
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