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Many endurance athletes, particularly runners, often use a specific strategy known as carb loading, which involves increasing stored energy in the form of glycogen to boost physical performance in a race or workout.

Carbohydrates serve as the macronutrient most efficiently metabolized for energy. When an individual eats more carbs than his or her body can use right away, the excess glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles for later use. During an intense activity, the body then draws on that stored glycogen and helps sustain one’s energy. Thus, carb loading has become a popular technique for those who run long distances.

Dallas-area resident and Brooks ambassador Carolyn Macduff said she thinks that carb loading is important and opts for pizza or Mexican food when she is doing so.

“Your body needs nutrients and energy to get through your races,” she said. “Food is fuel.”

Dallas resident Drew Mbiam, who runs with Train Pegasus and Pint Striders, said he knows that carb loading is an essential strategy and one that he uses during his marathon training, noting that individuals need to fuel their activities.

“You can’t drive your car for very long if the meter is pointing at the ‘E,’ just like you can’t run for very long if you don’t have that good ole carb energy,” he said.

For Macduff, beginning the carb loading process works best when done at least two days before her race.

“I want my body and mind to feel full and ready to tackle race day,” she said. “If I started introducing all of this food the night before, my body wouldn’t be used to all of these added calories, and I’d probably be nauseous on race day.”

Dallas-area resident and White Rock Running Co-op member Paige Ryder Celuch said she thinks that carb loading is essential to ensure that she can sustain the necessary energy required for a race. For her, Thai fried rice is her carb of choice.

“I have a place in Lower Greenville that is great, and it’s not greasy or heavy, so it’s perfect to carb up,” she said. “For a long run, I will only add more carbs into my dinner the night before and breakfast the morning before the run. For a race, I’ll carb load for two days before and during breakfast before the run.”

Ryder Celuch also said it’s possible to eat too many carbs during training, so she does not focus on carb loading specifically for a long run.

“I only deliberately carb load for races,” she said. “Otherwise, a carb-dense meal the day before is enough. I think you can go overboard saying you are ‘carb loading,’ but in reality, it’s overeating.”

Mbiam, who is racing Grandma’s Marathon in Minnesota on Saturday, has a similar mindset, not necessarily carb loading during training but specifically doing so days before a race.

“I’ll carb load for races, and for training, I’ll consume more carbs in general,” he said. “My rationale is that during training, I just need to eat enough to make it through the next workout, and for a race, I need the tank topped off.”

But no two runners are exactly alike, and what works for one doesn’t always work for another. Macduff often carb loads during training, as she wants to replicate scenarios she will face when it’s time to toe the line.

“Just as I’m getting my body used to taking in gels and electrolytes, I want to prepare my body to replace the calories it’s burning,” she said. “Nothing new on race week!”

Sea otters hold hands while they sleep so that they don’t drift away from each other.

After nearly three years of their somewhat mysterious disappearance, rental electric scooters have made their way back to Dallas.

In September 2020, the city banned the scooters because of safety and oversight concerns, leaving many citizens thrilled and others confused and disappointed. The return isn’t limitless, though—there are strict rules and regulations put in place for the 1,500 scooters powered by Lime, Bird, and Superpedestrian. They are only available from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the max speed is 20 miles per hour. In slow-ride zones, such as Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts, the speed limit is reduced to 10 miles per hour. Additionally, riders are not permitted to ride at any public parks, walking trails, and plazas, and each rider is remotely monitored, receiving a fine if he or she does not leave the scooter in a designated area and submit a photo in the app.

Dallas resident Sydney Kinder said she and her husband, Travis, used scooters pre-ban and know that there are certainly pros and cons that come with their use throughout the city.

“We’re excited to try them again,” she said. “It’s convenient to get around and cost-effective. However, people don’t use them properly and can be unsafe.”

Dallas resident Jimmy Driver also enjoys the convenience, noting that they are often faster and more affordable than an Uber or Lyft. Driver purchased his own scooter more than a year ago for that very reason. He said he thinks that there are positives and negatives for the return of the rental scooters to Dallas, though he does not agree with the various restrictions that come with them on this second go-round.

“Scooters are utilized by a singular person, so why can’t they be ridden on sidewalks?” Driver asked. “Riders typically don’t wear helmets or any other kind of protection (nor are they required to). And why are they operable only during certain hours? Cars aren’t restricted, and neither are bikes and pedestrians. Let’s ponder this one a bit. Public intoxication remains illegal, right? And if not every car driver or bike rider is assumed drunk after a certain hour, why are scooter riders?”

Dallas resident Alexis Derrow, however, opts not to use scooters, as she would rather walk, bike, or drive. She said she is not thrilled with the idea of this transportation option being available in the city again.

“They are unsightly,” she said. “In Chicago, we had a bike-share [system], but we also had bike lanes and docking stations. People are just leaving the scooters everywhere. It’s a mess and unsafe—unsafe because scooter riders are riding on the sidewalk without a care for pedestrians and then just leaving the scooters wherever they feel like. It’s childish, to be honest—like not putting away your toys.”

Dallas resident Peter Stack said he believes that the return of rental scooters is a positive for residents, and he looks forward to using one soon. He said he thinks that maintaining a safe environment for riders and those around them should be a top priority, though.

“It’s fun, easy, and quick to get one and take off on it wherever you need to go—for short trips, at least,” he said. “I think Dallas wants to keep up with the rest of the big cities in this country. It’s a fun gimmick, as well. But they need to get focused on safety. There aren’t any designated bike/scooter lanes, and with the crazy Dallas drivers out there, someone could—and most likely will—get seriously hurt. Don’t even get me started on the drinking and scootering!”

Kinder also said that she has some safety concerns and thinks that riders should be able to use scooters on sidewalks because of the lack of bike lanes throughout Dallas.

“I think it’s weird how they have to be ridden on the streets,” she said. “Isn’t that a little dangerous?”

The Dallas mayor’s office did not return requests for comment.

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

One of the NatNews staff members + dear readers from Pint Striders enjoyed a new location last Thursday at The Grove at Harwood after running on the Katy Trail

Monday, June 12: National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
Wednesday, June 14: East Coast Swing Dance Social at Sammons Park
Thursday, June 15: Sip 'n' Paint: Paint Your Pet in the AT&T Discovery District
Saturday, June 17: WRRC Saturday run at Taco Joint
Sunday, June 18: Father's Day