D.C. Beginning in Arlington, near the Potomac River, the Marine Corps Marathon will conclude 26.2 miles later at the Marine Corps Memorial. Sports nutrition is an integral factor in training for a marathon or any endurance exercise. Fluids are essential to performance. Carbohydrates, also called sugars, are considered our master fuel.
Carbohydrates provide glucose required for energy in our muscles and brain.
The typical American diet is low in carbohydrates at 45 percent total calories or 4 to 5 g per kilogram. To find out how much carbohydrate is in what you usually eat, pick up a book on the nutritive values of foods and pay special attention to reading nutrition labels. Don't be fooled into thinking that you have the green light to eat unlimited amounts of sweets like cookies, cakes, candy and soft drinks. You still need to be cautious. Sweets commonly don't contain vital vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber, and eating them may be robbing you of the opportunity to eat more nutritious foods and getting those important nutrients.