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What’s the problem with nutritional advice for athletes? There’s just so much information out there, and we just don’t know where to start, and if we have started, we’ve hopped around from one plan to another because of a lot of conflicting information… but there is a reason for that!
When it comes to endurance athletics, the one thing that we have in common is just how different we are, especially as we approach hours 4, 6, 8 and beyond. Our body chemistry and dietary needs are very individual and sometimes unpredictable- especially if we’re going for a distance that we’ve never attempted before! If you’re reading this article, I hope you are approaching endurance sports with this individuality in mind, and are really only competing against yourself, and the greatest accomplishment might simply be crossing the finish line, regardless of place or time. However, you might be approaching your nutrition from a more ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach looking for the magic combination that worked for someone else. From keto to carb-centric, you can find an athlete who will swear by their “secret”. But what truly is their “secret”?
Don’t get lured into the next fad diet. Instead, leverage your individuality to discover your edge!
The secret is developing the skill of listening to your body and interpret what it’s telling you, and this is where your individual event becomes a team sport! Talk to doctors, nutrition experts, and other athletes. But first, understand your own needs when it comes to eating. Because of the long-term commitment needed to develop the stamina and skill needed for success, you’ll need to be able to stick with your plan for the long term as well. Does a heavily restricted diet fit into your lifestyle? Can it work with your relationships with family, friends, and work? Is it something that you can prepare for yourself, or is that an extra layer of difficulty or expense? Ultimately the eating plan that will work for you the best is the one that you love the most, and doesn’t distract you. The hardest diets to maintain will also rob you of their benefits quickly if you cannot stay compliant.
With this mindful approach, you can find the zone that gives you the greatest rewards both on and off the course, and then you’ll truly be winning!
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