Marathon Carb Loading on a Paleo Diet

My views on carb loading for a marathon may be a little different than the average persons. I decided that for Lent I was going to go 100% Paleo. That basically meant no grains, no legumes, no dairy, no sugar, and no processed foods. I had to do some research on running a marathon on a Paleo diet. Lets just face it, one of the great things about running is the carb load before a long run/race. Its the one time we all give ourselves a green light to eat mounds of past and pizza before going and running it all off the next day.

Why carb load?

If you're preparing for a race that is longer than 90 minutes in duration, you may benefit from eating a high-carbohydrate diet for up to three days prior to the event. This type of diet can help fill up the glycogen storage spaces in your muscles and liver and ensure that you're carrying the maximum capacity of stored glycogen that your body can hold.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/389533-carb-load-diet-before-a-race/#ixzz2NL9hPkMQ

 

So with that being said taking on a Paleo diet I had to adjust what I normally would have eaten the week and day leading up to my first marathon. So what did I find...

Sweet Potatoes

For a healthier high-carb food, eat sweet potatoes instead. They are higher in fiber than white potatoes, and they have a more gradual effect on your blood sugar, leading to a steadier, more sustained energy source. They are also packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that can help your body during the race in other ways

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/464570-are-potatoes-good-carbs-to-eat-before-a-marathon/#ixzz2NLC1M3CP

I started eating sweet potatoes daily for the week leading up to the race. The night before the race I had a bunless hamburger and sweet potato fries. I also had gotten an order of sweet potato fries to go for breakfast in the morning. I felt amazing. I was lined up at the start line very confident in finishing the crazy 26.2 miles ahead of me.

I was worried about fueling during the marathon too. I had discovered Huma Gels a while back and started using them during training. Huma Gel are a natural fuel gel that actually taste amazing. My favorite is def the apple cinnamon., it taste like apple butter. YUM! I ran with 3 of the gels. I was also thankful that Rock n Roll had bananas and oranges out on the course in the 2nd half of the marathon. I was able to run and complete my first marathon 100% Paleo and as a Crossfitter (more about that later). I hope that some of you guys will experiment with the Paleo diet. Its an amazing way to lose weight, sleep better, feel better, and just overall maintain a healthy lifestyle.

QOTD: What do you use to carb load? Would you ever consider trying a Paleo lifestyle?