Nutritional Needs

I've been reading a lot lately about the use of whey and building/increasing amino acids. Can you comment on the benefits of both in relation to running? January 2004

Going with the theory of not trying anything new on marathon morning, should I be concerned that my current pre-long run breakfast will not be adequate to get me through the race. This, current, breakfast consists of one Gatorade energy bar and several ounces of sports drink. This works well for me for long training runs, just concerned if I can do myself better by having more of a meal. October 2003

As many of us prepare for fall marathons in the next few weeks, the debate has begun on what to consume and what not to consume on race day. I've heard different things regarding sports drinks and gels - that they should and shouldn't be taken before the start of the marathon. What is a good strategy for runners to follow on marathon day? What foods and beverages will help us go the distance, which ones will hurt our performance and why? October 2003

What is your opinion of the benefits of drinking green tea, both generally and specifically for an endurance athlete? September 2003

Is it OK to get your vitamins and minerals, including anti-oxidants, from an over-the-counter multivitamin rather than from your food? August 2003

What would you recommend as a good, healthful diet for a vegetarian (eats nothing with a central nervous system but will eat milk products) who is training for a first marathon? August 2003

Is eating bad food (like Ben and Jerry's and Doritos) really that bad for you? I mean, I burn all the calories by running so what's wrong with a diet full of real ice cream and cheese tortilla chips? November 2002

I heard someone say that long distance runners should get about 20% to 25% of their calories from fat. I thought that fat was bad for you, and surely distance runners don't want to add weight from eating lots of fat. What is the answer? September 2002

Health Issues

My blood test shows elevated levels of triglycerides. Would carboloading and eating carbohydrate energy gells contribute to high blood triglycerides? I run long distance regularly and hopefully burn a lot of the fuel that I eat. August 2003

Weight Management

Since training, I have almost added 10 pounds. This is not a problem to me, except for the fact that some of my dresses are not fitting anymore. I really don't understand what is going on because I run now more than ever! My question to you is, is some of this weight going to drop after I stop training? Or what would be the best way to get back to my "normal" weight after training stops? March 2004

What is considered to be a good to ideal range for body fat by percentage? January 2004

I would be interested in any information/reference books/seminars etc. that you have re: weight management/proper nutrition and any specific guidelines for those who are predisposed to diabetes. I am not a diabetic, but there has been diabetes on both sides of my family so I would like to take as many precautions as I can to avoid it. September 2002

I'm training for a fall marathon and I am a few pounds over my ideal weight. Some of my friends have told me how they lost weight quickly on high protein/low carbohydrate diets. Do you think I should try one of those diets to get my weight down? Why? September 2002

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