10k race in 5 days, and have no energy!

[tracy5447]

Hi, i have been on a low carb diet for 13 days now and lost 9lbs, i have a 10k race on sunday which i normally run in about 54mins, i have been out twice this week and can only manage 2-3 miles, my legs feel like lead weights and the muscles burn like mad. has anyone got any advice on what to do diet wise, should i eat carbs on race day?, should i eat low gi carbs or will i be ok eating pasta? i have got used to low carb and am now finding it very easy to stick to the plan. i would rather not eat bad carbs just to get me through a race,but would millet or a flax muffin make the run easier, any advice would be gratefully received.

[scottie mike]

Most likely nothing good right now.

Often people notice a loss of energy or endurance in exercising during the start of Atkins. It is believed that this is due to the depletion of the glycogen reserves (which you normally would run on) and the transition to fat burning. You can run/exercise as well on fat, maybe even better. My transition lasted about 6 weeks. After which I believe I felt better. Some of that could have been the weight loss.

Right now adding extra carbs would undo your induction. So you would be starting the cycle again and again waiting for those first weeks to go by.

My advice is keep to your plan and tough out the race. Things will improve shortly.

[Aradasky]

I just posted this blog elsewhere but please go read it, I think it will help. You need SALT and FAT.

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/k...low-carb-pt-i/ and

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/s...ow-carb-pt-ii/

[Aradasky]

PS I felt that way for several days at about where you are, started taking 1/4 tsp salt in water in am and 1/4 tsp salt in water at night. Felt much better, and so I stopped. I could hardly make it through my normal exercise routine this am so I am starting back on it. Dr Atkins recommends it until we are eating at least 50 carbs or more a day. Salt or broth. It is in his book.

Let us know how you do in the race! And come start a progress thread so we can talk there too I LOVE Scotland.

[tracy5447]

thanks for info and advice guys, its good to know there is light at the end of the tunnel. i am going out for a 10k practice this morning, just to see if i can do the distance, i know i could have done it pre l/c no problem, if it is too difficult i may pull out of the race until i am through the transition phase. i will let you know how my practice run goes.

[tracy5447]

ok, not a great run, it took 16 mins longer than usual, and my recovery was pretty horrid, nausea and tiredness. I want to lose the extra pounds more than i want a p/b so i will just carry on with new way of eating and hope the transition phase will be over soon!

[Aradasky]

Tracy, Congratulations for trying and staying the course! Youwill benefit is many ways, a lighter load to carry when running will be so much better for your body. You are an inspiration.....