One big mistake many endurance athletes make with their eating plans is making things way too complicated.
When you’re training for a marathon, it can be easy to want to try every new diet or food rule that pops up. But honestly, keeping it simple usually works best!
Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Ignoring Carbs:
Many athletes think if they eat fewer carbs, they won’t gain weight. But carbs are super important because they give you energy! Not eating enough carbs can make you feel really tired, especially on long runs. Try to get about 60-70% of your calories from carbs when you’re training hard.
Not Practicing What to Eat on Race Day:
This is really important! You need to practice what you’ll eat during your training runs. Try different gels, chews, or drinks to see what your stomach likes. Race day is not the time to try something new—believe me!
Forgetting About Hydration:
Staying hydrated is more than just drinking water. You also need to keep your electrolytes balanced, especially during long runs. If you sweat a lot, make sure to replace sodium and potassium.
Skipping Recovery Meals After Running:
A lot of people forget that recovering after a run is just as important as the training itself. Try to eat a good mix of carbs and protein within 30-60 minutes after your run. Think of it as a special time to help your body recover!
Stressing Over Calorie Counting:
Sure, you don’t want to overeat, but worrying too much about calories can mess with your mindset. Try to focus on eating nutritious foods and listen to what your body needs.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be setting yourself up for success on training days and race day!
One big mistake many endurance athletes make with their eating plans is making things way too complicated.
When you’re training for a marathon, it can be easy to want to try every new diet or food rule that pops up. But honestly, keeping it simple usually works best!
Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Ignoring Carbs:
Many athletes think if they eat fewer carbs, they won’t gain weight. But carbs are super important because they give you energy! Not eating enough carbs can make you feel really tired, especially on long runs. Try to get about 60-70% of your calories from carbs when you’re training hard.
Not Practicing What to Eat on Race Day:
This is really important! You need to practice what you’ll eat during your training runs. Try different gels, chews, or drinks to see what your stomach likes. Race day is not the time to try something new—believe me!
Forgetting About Hydration:
Staying hydrated is more than just drinking water. You also need to keep your electrolytes balanced, especially during long runs. If you sweat a lot, make sure to replace sodium and potassium.
Skipping Recovery Meals After Running:
A lot of people forget that recovering after a run is just as important as the training itself. Try to eat a good mix of carbs and protein within 30-60 minutes after your run. Think of it as a special time to help your body recover!
Stressing Over Calorie Counting:
Sure, you don’t want to overeat, but worrying too much about calories can mess with your mindset. Try to focus on eating nutritious foods and listen to what your body needs.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be setting yourself up for success on training days and race day!