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Tag: Bonking

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

How are carbohydrates used in exercise?

5 min read
Approximately 80% of the body's total glycogen is stored in the skeletal muscles, making it a critical fuel during physical activity. This article explains how carbohydrates are used in exercise, empowering you to optimize your nutrition for peak performance, regardless of your sport or training goals.

Why Do Long Distance Runners Need Carbs to Perform?

4 min read
Endurance athletes who train for more than 90 minutes often rely heavily on carbohydrate stores, called glycogen, for sustained energy. Without adequate carbohydrate intake, runners risk experiencing extreme fatigue and compromised performance, a phenomenon commonly known as 'hitting the wall'.

How to Avoid Hitting the Wall after Eating: Fueling and Timing Strategies

4 min read
Over 40% of marathon runners report experiencing the phenomenon known as 'hitting the wall,' a sudden and debilitating fatigue caused by depleted glycogen stores. For athletes, the seemingly nonsensical phrase "eating to the wall" likely refers to this very real struggle and the importance of strategic eating to prevent it. Proper meal timing and nutrition are crucial for sustained energy and peak performance.

How Do You Know If Your Glycogen is Depleted?

4 min read
According to research, the body can store an average of 400 grams of glycogen, primarily in the muscles and liver, but this reserve can be quickly depleted during intense or prolonged exercise. Understanding how do you know if your glycogen is depleted is crucial for anyone looking to maintain peak athletic performance and energy levels.

What is the fuel for running long distances?

4 min read
Endurance sports dietitians consistently confirm that carbohydrates are the primary and most efficient fuel source for running long distances. This essential macronutrient powers muscles, allowing for sustained performance and preventing the dreaded energy depletion known as 'hitting the wall'.

What Are the Power Bars for Cycling and How to Choose the Right Fuel?

5 min read
After about 90 minutes of continuous cycling, your body's glycogen stores can become significantly depleted, often leading to a sudden drop in energy known as "bonking". This is precisely where understanding what are the power bars for cycling becomes crucial, as they provide a portable, energy-dense way to sustain your effort.

Why Do People Eat Candy While Running?

4 min read
According to the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, endurance athletes should aim for 30-90 grams of carbohydrates per hour during exercise lasting over an hour. This is precisely why people eat candy while running, as it provides a quick, convenient source of the simple sugars needed to sustain performance and prevent fatigue.

What Happens if You Don't Eat Before a Race?

4 min read
According to sports dietitians, arriving at the start line under-fueled is one of the most common mistakes athletes make. The consequence is often a significantly compromised performance, making it crucial to understand what happens if you don't eat before a race and why a proper pre-race meal is so important.

What Happens if You Don't Eat Enough When Running?

5 min read
Endurance athletes like runners are at particular risk of underfueling, a state where energy intake doesn't match the body's needs. So, what happens if you don't eat enough when running? The consequences range from immediate performance hits to serious long-term health issues.

How far can I run without gels?

4 min read
The average human body has enough stored glycogen to fuel about 90 minutes of high-intensity running. Knowing your body's limits is key to answering the question, "How far can I run without gels?" for your specific needs, as it depends on intensity, duration, and metabolic efficiency.