Ep 142: Fueling for Marathons, Not for Weight Loss with Holley Samuel

Summary

In this conversation, Alison and Holley Samuel discuss the misconceptions surrounding marathon training and weight loss, emphasizing that weight loss should not be the primary goal for runners. They explore the physiological needs of marathon training, the importance of carbohydrates, and the signs of inadequate fueling. Holley provides practical fueling recommendations for long runs and addresses the challenges of early morning workouts. They also discuss the impact of body image and weight gain during tapering, highlighting the importance of specialized nutrition guidance for athletes.

Takeaways

• Weight loss should not be the goal while training for a marathon.
• More cardio does not equal more weight loss, especially at extremes.
• Carbohydrates are the body's main fuel source, especially for endurance athletes.
• Training the gut to tolerate fuel is essential for performance.
• Feeling puffy during tapering can indicate proper fueling and carbohydrate loading.
• Nutrition is one of the few controllable factors in marathon training.
• A well-performing athlete is a healthy athlete, and nutrition plays a key role.
• High sugar, low fiber foods can be beneficial for runners when timed correctly.
• Reframing minor weight gain during training is crucial for mental health and performance.
• Seek guidance from sports nutrition experts for tailored advice. 

Resources From This Episode

Holley's Website and Instagram

➡️ FREE Fueling Guide

➡️ Check out her next Strong Runner Academy Group Coaching Program

This episode was sponsored by our parent company, Miles To Go Athletics. Take our app-based training community for a two-week no obligation test drive here.