Thinking of Joining USA Triathlon?   Forgot Your Password? |
Login Help  Eating the Hour Before Exercise  By Monique Ryan
Triathletes are well aware that beginning training and
competition with a well fueled body can delay fatigue. One
significant fuel source is stored glycogen, which remains
relatively limited even with an optimal diet. Depending on the
intensity of your workout, glycogen stores may last only for 75
to 90 minutes of exercise. Because of the multiple training
sessions required for the sport, triathletes face the constant
cycle of training and refueling, often with only several hours
of recovery time. It is not unusual to have the need to fit a
small meal or snack in between training sessions.  Eating Before
Exercise Research and practical experience makes a good case for
consuming carbohydrate 2-4 hours prior to exercise. A relatively
nice amount of food can be consumed and replenish or top off
your muscle glycogen stores. Liver glycogen stores, which
maintain blood glucose levels during tra