Carbing up before a 5k?

Question

I'm running a 5k.

If I ate at Noodles & Company about 6 hours before the start of the race, would this be good preparation?

Answer 1

I agree with Candy Cane - simply no need. I also agree with the idea that 6 hours is too close if you were loading for anything over 10k. I think the formula is that you have something like 30 minutes or so of glycogen in the blood and then you have to go to stored carbs to convert it. Plus after 30 years I found that the "pasta myth" for me at least is that some of us metabolize slowly and so eating a big pasta dinner before a morning race leaves the food undigested and creates back and kidney pain. Experiment with what type of carbs work for you. What does YOUR body like and can metabolize for engery that lasts.

Also they say protein takes alot of energy to digest so too much meat the week before a race will leave one feeling lethargic and thus on race day depressed because you've felt like c**p for a week.

balance is the key. for myself I followed a classic Johnny Kelly and ate honey and bread sandwichs the night before. easy to digest and packed with carbs

Answer 2

carbo loading will take more time than 6 hours before a race.  You will need to prepare at least 4-7 days prior for it to have any time of effect.   Within 6 hours basically you are looking to have a little bit in your stomach so you won't cramp up and make sure that it is low in fat and simple carbs.  Both of these can decrease performance.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Noodle's is delicious, I say go for it.  I'd go with butter noodles with grilled chicken.  

I used to eat soft pretzels before 5k's, but they're right, it's all mental at that point, you're not even going to digest it before you run.

Answer 4

There is no need to "carb up" before a 5k. You aren't running long enough to deplete your glycogen stores. You really only need to carbo load before you run distances over 10k (6.2 miles), as running over 10k depletes glycogen stores.

Answer 5

eat pasta...it's better