Last year I began to explore the topic of fat-loading, a method used to enhance ones running performance in endurance events lasting longer than 2 hours. The purpose of fat-loading is to teach the body to burn its own fatty acids as fuel (to a greater extent than it already does), thereby conserving glycogen stores. Conserving glycogen stores as much as possible will …
Fat-Loading for Race Performance (part 1)
I’ve put off writing about fat-loading for some time now because each time I’ve gone to blog on it, the topic felt too large. Instead of continuing to sidestep it, I’ve decided to write about it in 3 parts: first, why you’d want to fat-load; second, the science behind fat-loading; and finally, how to fat-load. I first learned of “fat-loading” …
Boosting Performance with Beets
I’m racing the Steveston 8km Ice Breaker Road Race this Sunday. And I’m going to try something new. Beetroot juice. Although I can’t believe I personally have not yet tried this particular ergogenic aid – it’s entirely true. I have not. However I’ve had a number of clients and workshop participants who have given beetroot juice a go, and tell me it really …
How to Fuel Your Big Race (Carb-Loading 101)
One of the most common questions I get is how to eat before a big race. Specifically, should I be ‘carb-loading’ the week before a race (and what does that really even mean)? What to eat the night before? The morning of? Does that mean I can eat more cookies? More oat bars?!! Carb-loading is essentially the practice of eating enough …