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=The downside to carbohydrate loading=
The biggest downside to carbohydrate loading is that [[Glycogen]] is stored with additional water. Generally, 2-5 grams of water are stored with each gram of [[Glycogen]], so carbohydrate loading adds extra weight. If the race does not require the extra [[Glycogen]] supplies, then the extra weight will degrade performance.
=The golden rule of racing=
Remember the [[The Golden Rule of Racing]], which is 'Never do something in a race you have not practiced in training'. Carbohydrate loading can be practiced in training. Choose a week some time out from your race and try the technique out. You may gain a little extra weight due to the extra calories, but it's worth the trade off to understand how carbohydrate loading works for you. You can combine this with a small taper to get a sense of how your body responds to that technique as well.
=Carbohydrate loading in different races=