There are several key elements to achieving the correct, balanced diet for a marathon, and food is the source of all of your energy. Food comprises of protein, fat, fiber and carbohydrates all of which you will need for your training requirements. Knowing what quantities of each of these elements are needed for your training program is essential. Not only will you need to know how to fuel your body effectively, but also how to eat in preparation for the marathon.
All runners have to establish their own unique diet strategy for the actual marathon; although you can be guided, every runner is different. There are many nutritional decisions that can help to improve your marathon day achievements. You will need to understand and implement everything that you learn, regarding your diet and training program is essential. You should begin by looking at the basic dietary requirements that you will need as a marathon runner.
Nutrition
Eating enough food to ensure that your body is getting the right amount of nutrients is essential. Carbohydrates are the most important factor when you are a runner, and these can be found in a huge number of different foods. You will need to continually replenish your energy levels, and small, frequent meals are often the way to do this.
Protein is essential for the repair and growth of your body tissues. It can help to ensure that your muscle and bones are being kept healthy and in perfect shape to exert yourself. Selecting and preparing your meals is a very important process when training for the marathon. You will need to ensure that you are eating enough of the four main food groups on a daily basis.
Low fat varieties can be found and will guarantee that you are providing yourself with a healthy, balanced diet. You should ensure that you are preparing the meals with very little salt or fat as these can affect your diet. Drinking plenty of water when training is important, however, you should also drink plenty of fluids on a daily basis.
Recording what you are eating at every meal time, will give you a clear picture of what you are lacking and where you can improve on your diet. There will always be areas that you can improve on, and eat far healthier. Changing small things in your already healthy diet may just give you the edge that you require.
Although preparation before the marathon is essential, your nutrition plan for the actual day of the marathon is equally important. You will need a clear plan for your pre race meals and fluid intake to ensure that you give yourself an added boost before the race. Marathon running is a very stressful, tiring event that takes a great deal from your body.
Nutrition Plan for Marathon Runners
Paul Koks is a passionate runner from The Netherlands and owner of Marathon-training-tips.com that provides a diversity of running tips for runners of all levels and tips for a well-balanced marathon training diet.
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