Carbo-Loading! (3/10)

Running has taught me that the pursuit of a passion matters more than the passion itself.  Immerse yourself in something deeply and with heartfelt intensity – continually improve, never give up – this is fulfillment, this is success.

 

We are 8 DAYS away from the marathon, making this Marathon Series Day 3!!

One of the big things my coach keeps saying is “you need to restock your glycogen levels.” Well…just how do I do that? This is definitely showing that I am for sure a nube at marathons.

Glycogen = a multibranched polysaccharide of glucose that serves as a form of energy storage –  if ya didn’t know

So you know that “wall”? Well this happens when your body runs out of sugar to burn.  The amount of glycogen that your body burns is in relation to your pace, body size, and muscle mass. (ex. the faster you run the faster you burn your glycogen levels).  Your body isn’t made to make it much past 20 miles until you hit glycogen depletion.  So, you can thank the running God’s for Gatorade, Gus, and anything else we are able to have during the marathon.

During aerobic running your body uses carbohydrates and fats.  The carbohydrates come from the glycogen in your muscles and around the liver.  As you burn more and more carbs it starts to add more fat into the ratio. Then when this is gone, the body relies on proteins to provide energy and maintain blood sugar levels.

Crazy to think that if you burn even 1% more glycogen than you should the first half of the marathon, you could throw off the second half. It is so important to stay on top of your nutrition and what you are taking in during the marathon.

How can I take this info into the marathon? Well, you want to make sure that your glycogen level are topped off when you toe the start line.  Some start carbo-loading 3 days before the marathon.  As you are tapering, you run less, meaning you are using less of your glycogen levels.  Also, drinking more water is necessary for storing glycogen.

Seriously, favorite part of tapering is eating ALL the carbs the day before the marathon!!

SPOTLIGHT!!

Today’s spotlight is one of my best friends of eight years, Cassandra!!  She is a personal trainer, who has quite the resume of shows and accomplishments in that world, and now is running her first half marathon in 8 days! I have always looked up to her ambition and how she puts her heart and soul into every goal she sets!

Audrey: What does determination mean to you?

Cassandra: Determination is merely a mindset. I don’t accept my excuses lightly.  If I’m set on accomplishing something, I will find a way.

A: What motivates you everyday to work towards your goals?

C: Me. I recognize that no one is going to do the work that needs to be done to accomplish my goals.

A: What is your current playlist jam?

C: Awolnation.

A: What is the best advice you have ever been told in regards to running/working out?

C: Keep going! Your body is a marvelous thing that will adapt accordingly if you are consistent and accurate in your pursuit.

A:  You are close to your half marathon, what is going through your mind?

C: I’ve wanted to run a half for probably 6 years now so crossing that finish line means proving to myself that there is no better day then today.

A: What is your proudest accomplishment?

C: I’m most proud of where I stand today. The perfect body is no longer my main focus (although I can’t give up on a nice booty).  I’d rather continue to push myself mentally and physically out of my comfort zone because the more you do, the more you can do.