The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running Shoes, Hydration, and Nutrition for Endurance
Your muscles burn through energy fast when you're climbing steep trails for hours. Trail running and hiking in the mountains demand more from your body than regular workouts, and what you eat can make or break your adventure. The right fuel keeps you strong when the path gets tough. Pre-Adventure Nutrition You need to start fueling your body 2-3 days before your mountain trip. Your glycogen stores take time to build up , and this process can't happen overnight. Focus on complex carbohydrates during these preparation days. Think oatmeal, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and whole grain pasta. These foods slowly release energy and give your muscles the fuel they need for extended efforts. Research from the International Journal of Sport Nutrition shows that athletes who carb-load properly can exercise 20% longer than those who don't. That extra endurance could mean the difference between reaching your summit or turning back early. Avoid trying new foods during this preparation phas...