how many carbs should a runner eat a day?

[carlossalsa8]

I have heard that when you run all the energy being burned comes from the carbs. Why carbs and not proteins? How many grams of carbs should I eat a day, since I run a lot? I am also trying to lose 5 pounds, don't carbs make you get fat? I know I need carbs, but just asking.

[Saint Patrick]

ugh....where to start....




Aww screw it. Do a search.

[drew]

What kind of running? Sprinting? Middle distance? Long distance? Marathons? Hurdles? DO you jump? Etc etc etc.

[carlossalsa8]

sprinting, middle and long distance.

[Stray]

" am also trying to lose 5 pounds, don't carbs make you get fat?"

No, excess calories make you fat.

[raniali]

sprinting, middle and long distance.


your caloric and energy needs differ for each of these types of runs. distance/marathon runners eat differently than sprinters. do you have a coach?

[raniali]

sprinting, middle and long distance.


your caloric and energy needs differ for each of these types of runs. distance/marathon runners eat differently than sprinters. do you have a coach?

[drew]

If you're doing all 3, I'm guessing 5K is your longest race, which technically would be middle distance. I would try to get 30% of cals from carbs, 40%from protein and 30% from fat.

[Manveet]

You're body's primary source of fuel is glucose, which is a monomer of a carbohydrate molecule.

[carlossalsa8]

I do have a coach but he doesn't really know anything about nutrition. I also play soccer, so I kind of do double exercise. I have a little fat still to lose,cuz I don't really want to have that much fat around my six pac. Anyways, thanks for your help guys. I thought that I should eat more carbs since I run a lot, but I know carbs make you get fat. I am still a little confused but thanks anyways.

[raniali]

more carbs don't make you fat, excess cals do.

[Thunderstorm]

Go to www.letsrun.com and ask there. World class runners hang out there and the knowledge there is mind boggling.