When most people hear the words "marathon preparation schedule" they no doubt picture day after day of grueling preparation runs in preparation for the epic 26.2-mile race that lies ahead. While this is certainly part of an overall preparation regimen, it is not the sole aspect. Proper nutrition plays an essential part in any marathon preparation program and can significantly enhance your chance of success come race day. So, let us look at a Customized Marathon training Plan diet, including foods that are essential, foods to avoid and the proper balance of nutrients recommended for those in preparation.
Marathon preparation, because of the toll it can take on your body, requires a proper nutritional plan to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need. Included in this plan should be a proper balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats, typically found in the following types of foods:
The concept of carbo-loading before an endurance race such as the Marine, Boston, New York marathon, and many others is well known and well accepted. Storing up carbs before your shoes hit the pavement will help push you through the "wall" at mile 20. But what about post-run foods? Not just the foods you eat after a long-drawn-out race exercising session, but also what you should eat after the long-drawn-out race itself.
The question many people have is whether one preparation program is better than the other. And, some of you won't be satisfied with the answer of "it depends." But that's the answer. The reason is because it depends on what your goals are for the race.
One of the challenges for some long distance runners after the race and even after long practice runs is that they feel queasy. It's hard to get food into your system when you just feel like it's going to find its way back up. That upset stomach, assuming that you're not sick, is often a way for your body to tell you it's stressed out. It can also result from too little water during long-drawn-out race practice or too many gels.
Frozen and Packaged Foods. Whenever possible, try to avoid frozen and packaged foods. Because of the packaging process, which often includes the addition of chemical preservatives and other non-nutritional additives, most of these foods have lost a great deal of their nutritional quality.
Junk Food, Alcohol and Coffee: Foods such as soda, potato chips, and candy have little to no nutritional value whatsoever. Alcohol and coffee should always be used in moderation, and this is especially true during a long-drawn-out race preparation. In fact, you'd probably be better served by forfeiting these drinks altogether, at least until after race day.
When planning the nutritional component of your marathon preparation schedule, keep in mind that you should probably lean towards elevating your intake of complex carbohydrates. These substances are essential for energy and will help your body during very intense workout sessions. A good balance of nutrients for your exercise program should look a bit like this: Complex Carbohydrates: 50-65% of your daily intake, Healthy, Unsaturated Fats: 15-25% of your daily intake, Lean Protein: 20-25% of your daily intake.
Marathon preparation, because of the toll it can take on your body, requires a proper nutritional plan to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need. Included in this plan should be a proper balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats, typically found in the following types of foods:
The concept of carbo-loading before an endurance race such as the Marine, Boston, New York marathon, and many others is well known and well accepted. Storing up carbs before your shoes hit the pavement will help push you through the "wall" at mile 20. But what about post-run foods? Not just the foods you eat after a long-drawn-out race exercising session, but also what you should eat after the long-drawn-out race itself.
The question many people have is whether one preparation program is better than the other. And, some of you won't be satisfied with the answer of "it depends." But that's the answer. The reason is because it depends on what your goals are for the race.
One of the challenges for some long distance runners after the race and even after long practice runs is that they feel queasy. It's hard to get food into your system when you just feel like it's going to find its way back up. That upset stomach, assuming that you're not sick, is often a way for your body to tell you it's stressed out. It can also result from too little water during long-drawn-out race practice or too many gels.
Frozen and Packaged Foods. Whenever possible, try to avoid frozen and packaged foods. Because of the packaging process, which often includes the addition of chemical preservatives and other non-nutritional additives, most of these foods have lost a great deal of their nutritional quality.
Junk Food, Alcohol and Coffee: Foods such as soda, potato chips, and candy have little to no nutritional value whatsoever. Alcohol and coffee should always be used in moderation, and this is especially true during a long-drawn-out race preparation. In fact, you'd probably be better served by forfeiting these drinks altogether, at least until after race day.
When planning the nutritional component of your marathon preparation schedule, keep in mind that you should probably lean towards elevating your intake of complex carbohydrates. These substances are essential for energy and will help your body during very intense workout sessions. A good balance of nutrients for your exercise program should look a bit like this: Complex Carbohydrates: 50-65% of your daily intake, Healthy, Unsaturated Fats: 15-25% of your daily intake, Lean Protein: 20-25% of your daily intake.
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