CARB LOADING

Some thoughts on ‘carb loading’ ahead of endurance events. Our general advice for athletes is that carb loading is NOT necessary for the majority of athletes most of the time.

Why?

Most athletes will taper their training load in an attempt to peak come race day which will naturally keep glycogen stores topped up assuming fuelling pre, during and post sessions are adequate and appropriate. As such there is no need to ‘load’ with copious amounts of food ahead of race day. When you add in the associated risks of eating 10-12g of carbs per kilo of BW in the form of stomach upset, bloating, leathargy and trouble sleeping there really is not a strong case for carb loading.

So, what do we advise?

– Retain similar training structure with reduced volume / overall load during race week

– Fuel and hydrate these sessions appropriately / as you normally would

– In the final 24-48hrs focus on consuming simple forms of carbohydrate with most meals

– Reduce your fibre intake during this same time period.

Race well. Be your best.