Carbo Loading and Race day Nutrition

So what I am realized as I write these articles is that until about june, when i hit real ironman training, these articles will be more "reflections" on things ive had experience with, but i will probably revisit all these topics, particularly race day nutrition, as i have experience with them in relation to ironman training.

the concept of carbo loading is one that appeals to me mainly because my normal habit of cramming my face with complex carbohydrates becomes somewhat justifiable. up until now ive has a prerace/race day nurition routine that has worked fairly well. i generally cut out caffeine from my diet about 2 weeks before a big race to optimize the usefullness of gelpacks that actually have caffeine in them. I also make sure i have plenty of good carbs from power bars and granola, but i dont really sit there and make bowls and bowls of pasta a week before the race. on race day, i generally wake up , drink water and have a power bar and make sure i keep 2 gel packs in transition area 1 right before the bike, one during the bike (after half way) and one half way through the run (hopefully to help me push past the wall.... all of this in addition to - of course-plenty of water, gatorade and sometimes even some electrolyte suppliments.

this system hasnt really failed me - except for once, when i didnt drink enough water with my gel pack, and very soon after, this decision was reeking havoc on my GI system- and as a result slowing me down (but making me wish i could teleport to the nearest bathroom)

but as i gear up for a big racing season that ends with an ironman, i really have to not only make sure i understand what race day nutrition SHOULD be , but also i need to make sure i practice it during my training sessions, which i have been really bad about. The article below was really useful in thinking about this. its easy to think that constant calorie intake is necessary during a half ironman- much less an ironman, but according to the article, a little goes a long way.

it makes sense though- what is being depleted from our bodies most rapidly during ultra distance racing are electrolytes. Up until now, i have been lucky that i havnt "bonked out" (yes thats the scientific term for "no i cant go on") but i know that during my training sessions, i am pushing my limit. the next few months will be dedicated to figuring all this out.




http://www.tri-ecoach.com/art36.htm