Carbo-loading and Other Thoughts on Food

Last night my sister, some cousins, and I got together over sushi- one of my favorite foods. I’m also very lucky to have lots of family all over the Boston area!

Yesterday was another 6am wakeup call for me, as I had to get in 6 miles of speed work before work. My coaches have incorporated speed work into one run a week, which I usually run on Wednesdays. I ran on the treadmill this time which was on a slight incline given the somewhat crooked floor of my gym- so this added some extra difficulty! I felt a little sore from that run, as well as this morning’s easy 6 mile run. But the soreness is not an injury, and I know that my body is just adapting to these new running routines. I need to include more stretching into my routine going forward too.

I felt very prepared for the speed work in terms of fuel, having eaten at one of my favorite restaurants in Boston the night before, Babbo. Goat cheese pizza is my favorite! Mark ordered a meatball pizza, which was delicious as well. We also realized that Babbo now delivers (we may be late to the game with that)—but we were thrilled with the news. My other favorite pizza joint, Figs, may play second fiddle to Babbo going forward.

During marathon training, I include carbs in my diet every single day. While this may not mean eating my favorite pizza every day, it will include more pastas at dinner, breads at lunch, and oatmeal at breakfast than I would eat when I am not marathon training. I am not shy with carbs and know that they are essential to my performance- this is something that I have had to learn over time. During marathon training, I also tend to increase my protein intake, maintain adequate hydration (I drink at least two Nalgene’s or almost 2 Liters of water a day), sometimes with nuun tablets as well, and attempt to eat lots of fruits and veggies throughout the day as well.

In general, I follow the 80/20 nutrition rule (eating healthy, balanced meals 80% of the time, 20% of the time is spared for indulgences such as ice cream and wine- foods and drinks in which I could never live without!). I am a believer of eating with moderation, and while I am not a nutritionist, following this kind of diet, along with exercise, has worked well for me.

Enjoy the rest of your day—it’s almost the weekend! And get outside!!

Another drone picture of our new England fall- I can’t get enough! Thanks @imnotquitejack!

What are your go-to meals during marathon training?

What are your favorite sweets?

-Anything covered in chocolate, ice cream, and chocolate chip cookies for me!

Anyone racing this weekend?

-I will be pacing my sister during part of the Philadelphia marathon!