Developing youth athletes here in Durango, Colorado, and helping create a training home for the best Mountain/Ultra/Trail runners in the nation
Monday, June 27, 2011
pre-workout meals
the old school runners will tell you that when you hit the wall you have to slow down because your body has to switch to fat as its primary fuel source. however, if you could burn more fat (and therefore less glucose) from the start of the race/run, then youd never hit the wall in the first place.*
during training this is just as important. starting each workout with a stable blood sugar will help your body learn to metabolize fat faster.
so pre-workout meals need to be well-rounded with plenty of fat and protein along with carbohydrates. your stomach will need time to get used to eating like this and you will have to wait longer after the meal to workout/run, but your blood sugar will be under control and your energy levels will be much more stable.
a sample meal, 2 or 3 hours before a workout:
>12-16 ounces water
>mixed raw nuts (brazils, cashews, and almonds. my trifecta)
>meat raviolis with tomato sauce and pesto
then a bit more water (only if your thirsty) leading up to the workout
*another thing to note (in case you have a mild interest in some brief science)is that your body cannot be anabolic and catabolic at the same time. in plain english: you cant store energy and use it at the same time, your body wont let you. so if your blood sugar gets really high before a workout, it releases insulin to stop you from getting too hyperglycemic and causing brain damage. once insulin is present, its impossible to burn fat because your body is trying to store it.
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