Carb loading is a well-known strategy among endurance athletes, but chances are you might not be doing it correctly. If you’ve ever wondered why carb loading is so important or how to do it effectively, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about carb loading during race week, ensuring you have the energy to push through to the finish line and perform at your best.

Fueling your body properly before a run can be the difference between crushing your workout or hitting a wall halfway through. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, understanding how to fuel before a run is essential for peak performance, endurance, and recovery. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how many carbs you need before different types of runs, especially if you’re heading out for an early morning workout.

As athletes, we constantly strive to optimize our performance. Supplement companies capitalize on this ambition, flooding the market with products promising explosive gains, faster recovery, and unrealistically shredded physiques. Among these, botanical ingredients – plant-derived extracts – often take center stage. But before you reach for that trendy green powder claiming to unlock your inner beast, let's delve into a recent study that exposes the often overlooked truth about these supplements.

Body image is a deeply personal and often complex aspect of our lives, influenced by a myriad of factors including societal standards, cultural norms, personal experiences, and even our involvement in sports. For endurance athletes, the relationship with their bodies is often intertwined with performance, appearance, and self-worth. As a registered sports dietitian, I frequently encounter athletes who struggle with how they perceive their bodies, particularly in the context of their sport. Two approaches to body image that have gained prominence in recent years are body positivity and body neutrality. While both have valuable messages, they offer different perspectives on how to view and relate to our bodies.

As a registered sports dietitian, I see firsthand how endurance sports shape the lives of athletes, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. The discipline, the rush of adrenaline, and the sense of accomplishment are all unparalleled. However, I also recognize that this intense focus on a single activity can lead to challenges, especially when unforeseen circumstances prevent participation. This is why I advocate for looking at the whole human and considering how we spend our time when we're not out on a run, bike, or swim.