Exactly How to Carb Load the Week Before a Marathon

Greenletes Podcast

Greenletes Podcast
Exactly How to Carb Load the Week Before a Marathon
Apr 13, 2026
Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD

If you’re running the Boston Marathon (or any marathon), what you eat this week can make or break your race.

And most runners get it wrong.

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to carb load the right way—so you show up on race day feeling energized, not sluggish, bloated, or underfueled.

You’ll learn:

  •  Why carb loading is NOT just a big pasta dinner the night before 
  •  Exactly when to start (and how much to eat) 
  •  What a full day of carb loading actually looks like 
  •  How to avoid common mistakes that lead to GI issues mid-race 
  •  What to eat the night before and the morning of your race 

If you’ve ever hit the wall, felt low energy late in a race, or just want to feel more confident going into race day—this episode is your game plan.

🎧 Hit play, then save this episode so you can come back to it during race week.

Or watch the episode on YouTube! 

Have questions or want to request a show topic? DM us @greenletes

Check out Natalie's book 📕: Planted Performance



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