How to Carb Load - Packing your working cells with carbohydrates in the build-up to your big race is a proven strategy to race stronger and faster...
220 Triathlon|October 2024
Whichever distance triathlon you're racing, the intensity and duration of your activity will see your body tap into its stores of carbohydrates (in the form of glycogen) to power your effort. While it's possible to top up your tank on the go, it's better to start your event with your stores full to the brim.
- By Jo Wright
How to Carb Load - Packing your working cells with carbohydrates in the build-up to your big race is a proven strategy to race stronger and faster...

Whichever distance triathlon you're racing, the intensity and duration of your activity will see your body tap into its stores of carbohydrates (in the form of glycogen) to power your effort. While it's possible to top up your tank on the go, it's better to start your event with your stores full to the brim.

Energise your race

Enter the carb load. Two words that can cause an endurance athlete to salivate or break into a sweat, the nutritional technique is intended to send you to the start line with the maximum amount of energy your body can store.

"If you don't carb load, you risk running out of energy much sooner and bonking," says Level 4 nutrition coach Jo Wright. "Also, it means there's less margin for error in terms of your race-day nutrition. If you end up being a little bit down on your race nutrition but you've carb loaded well, you're going to be in a much stronger position than someone who's failed to carb load. They're going to run out of energy much sooner if they're not ingesting a lot of carbohydrate during the event."

Wright warns it's not just an excuse to pile up the pasta pre-event, though. "If you go the other way and have too much, you risk your stomach being unhappy and feeling bloated, full, heavy and potentially quite sick."

Unsure how to pack in the optimum amount of carbohydrates? Wright reveals her top 10 tips...

10 Steps to fuel your personal best

Follow these 10 easy loading tips and you'll line up in the water fresher and faster

01 The magic number

この蚘事は 220 Triathlon の October 2024 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は 220 Triathlon の October 2024 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

220 TRIATHLONのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
RACING A TRIATHLON AS A TEAM
220 Triathlon

RACING A TRIATHLON AS A TEAM

THERE ARE HUGE BENEFITS TO RACING A TRIATHLON AS A TEAM. IT'S A CHANCE TO WORK TO YOUR STRENGTHS AND ADD TO THE FUN. HERE'S HOW...

time-read
5 分  |
April 2025
THIS IS WHY WE DO IT
220 Triathlon

THIS IS WHY WE DO IT

As he bids adieu to 220 Triathlon, coach Ben reflects on why we keep training and racing, even when we can't all be winners...

time-read
2 分  |
April 2025
PLANT-POWERED PERFORMANCE
220 Triathlon

PLANT-POWERED PERFORMANCE

Keen to maximise your performance and reduce the amount of meat you eat? Then Michelin-starred chef and sports nutritionist Alan Murchison is the man to ask.

time-read
3 分  |
April 2025
LONDON CALLING
220 Triathlon

LONDON CALLING

In an event for the ages, COROS athlete Alex Yee will take on this year's TCS London Marathon. Here's how he's training for it...

time-read
7 分  |
April 2025
KIT ZONE
220 Triathlon

KIT ZONE

THE LATEST GEAR - TESTED BY EXPERTS

time-read
6 分  |
April 2025
THE RIEL DEAL
220 Triathlon

THE RIEL DEAL

He's Belgium's Mr Consistent, and after a triumphant season on the new Tioo circuit is now considered one of the world's top middle-distance athletes. We caught up with Marten Van Riel as he gears up for his toughest year yet...

time-read
6 分  |
April 2025
TACKLE THE TOUGHEST CONDITIONS
220 Triathlon

TACKLE THE TOUGHEST CONDITIONS

When the going gets tough... We ask the toughest for advice. Meet three professional athletes known for conquering the most gruelling swim, bike and run conditions...

time-read
10 分  |
April 2025
BIKE TEST: THE FRENCH CONNECTION
220 Triathlon

BIKE TEST: THE FRENCH CONNECTION

Decathlon's Van Rysel bike brand is making waves at the peak of the pedalling performance pyramid. Will it do the same at the £4,000 mark? James Witts finds out aboard its RCR road bike...

time-read
6 分  |
April 2025
RUNNING JACKETS
220 Triathlon

RUNNING JACKETS

In the grisly weather, a jacket is a must for warmth and waterproofing on most runs. Eight women's versions are put through their paces on the trails...

time-read
6 分  |
April 2025
"BEING SHOT THREE TIMES MOTIVATED ME TO RACE IRONMAN"
220 Triathlon

"BEING SHOT THREE TIMES MOTIVATED ME TO RACE IRONMAN"

Being the innocent victim of a drive- by shooting almost cost Brandon Peacock his life. Determined not to be beaten, he's now training for an Ironman to fundraise for charity

time-read
2 分  |
April 2025