Carbo loading

Wednesday October 13, 2004

Time: 6:30pm
Place: Running Room
Distance 6km loop

Running mates: Chantal and 6km group
Running partner: some girl and Jeff (tri athlete)
How I felt before:

Mentally: tired, drained and grumpy
phyically: sluggish and tired

The fatigue was as a result of my first attempt at carbo loading. I ate very sparingly reducing my carb intake drastically in my diet.

The effort that I exerted for the distance and speed that I maintained was tremendous. The only thing that allowed myself to complete was the fact that I had two run buddies with whom I chatted during the run back to the store. Thankfully my discussion with them distracted me from the fatigue and hunger during this phase.

I was fortunate that I had taken several days off to rest my legs. With my muscles well rested, I was able to complete the distance at that speed easily enough. Had I not had that rest whilst carbo loading simultaneously, I am certain that I would not have comopleted the distance.

How I felt afterward. My muscles were find, I still had minor issues with my shin. Stretching was fine. However when I arrived home I felt extremely sluggish and could not even type properly. My mind was unresponsive to general queries and it I found it quite embarassing not even being able to maintain a decent conversation.

This will be my last attempt at carbo loading. I recognise the physical benefits that can be realised but the psychological price that I paid during this process proved to be one that I could not afford. As my first marathon, I need all the motivation and focus I can muster. Carbo loading proved to be deleterious toward that goal