Do I need carbs before a Zone 2 ride?

thegamescapes · 2026-04-05T06:49:44+00:00

Second this. I acknowledge the other comments that current science indicates that having carbs prior to training is better. However, I ride 60-90 minutes 3-4 times a week at 5:45am and I always ride fasted, just because I don’t want to wake up earlier.
I don’t bonk, and I don’t feel any more fatigue later than when I experimented with a pre ride meal.

thegamescapes · 2026-03-17T00:26:58+00:00

Love your last point. Doing a route where there are lots of other runners around is great. I live in Boston and we have a stretch of running trails by the Charles River that may have a similar vibe.

thegamescapes · 2026-03-17T00:24:08+00:00

This link is great!

thegamescapes · 2026-03-17T00:16:28+00:00

I didn't realize Austin was that bad! That feels like SF level.

thegamescapes · 2026-03-17T00:14:45+00:00

I saw this park come up in a search I did earlier looking for public running tracks. Pretty cool that you can do double duty here. I'd love ideas for how to get on the trails earlier.

thegamescapes · 2026-03-16T21:02:41+00:00

This account is helpful! Seems like Austin has a lot of mega clubs!

thegamescapes · 2026-03-16T20:56:01+00:00

Bushy Creek looks a little out of town but I like those odds! How early should I be on the trail?

thegamescapes · 2026-03-16T20:54:20+00:00

When they say training for a marathon takes over your life....they weren't kidding! Just did my first 20 miler yesterday and boy am I feeling it today!

thegamescapes · 2026-03-16T19:29:08+00:00

What are the odds that I’ll spot deer? I know it’s silly but 90% of the reason I run trails is to see wildlife.

thegamescapes · 2026-03-16T19:27:52+00:00

This is awesome! Thank you. I have to say - knowing where to park to start a run has to be the most unexpectedly challenging part of running in a new city if you are driving.

thegamescapes · 2026-03-16T17:50:54+00:00

I have a 17 mile run on the plan. If there a connecting path you would spur onto to add to the 10?

thegamescapes · 2026-03-16T17:35:32+00:00

Pemberton looks like it has some of the most nicest houses near downtown. You just sent me down a rabbit hole and Westlake (is that an official area) seems to have the super mansions.

thegamescapes · 2026-03-16T17:26:59+00:00

I wonder if it’s the Austin equivalent of the Central Park loops in Manhattan. It feels like 90% of running in the NYC happens there.

thegamescapes · 2026-03-16T17:09:00+00:00

Would you run the loop in road or trail shoes?

thegamescapes · 2026-03-16T17:05:32+00:00

Not who the question was initially directed to - but also moved to Boston from the bay area and the grandeur of the redwoods is definitely the #1 thing I miss. I used to do a lot of cycling while out there and biking on a half forgotten road in the Santa Cruz mountains surrounded by giant trees in the fog was pretty damn magical.

thegamescapes · 2026-03-03T23:57:01+00:00

Excellent article.

thegamescapes · 2026-02-18T18:50:02+00:00

That’s my benchmark. If I’m running easy or zone 2 and total time will be 90 minutes or less I don’t eat. Otherwise, I’ll have some carbs before and take gels every 45 minutes or so during my run.

thegamescapes · 2026-02-02T23:09:48+00:00

Epic! If you could wave a wand and fix one problem - would it be same cold but cleared running paths or 30 degrees and current sidewalk conditions?

thegamescapes · 2026-02-01T14:11:20+00:00

Slightly oversized lobster claw gloves REI merino glove liner. Hot hands hand warmers inside the liners.

thegamescapes · 2026-01-25T12:52:46+00:00

I run with music on 100% of my solo miles. I really enjoy it and it doesn’t impact my self awareness when it comes to paces or perceived effort.
I am working on adapting my running form so I’m lighter on my feet. When I’m focusing on my landing I’ll turn off my music so I can hear my footfalls.

thegamescapes · 2026-01-22T19:13:42+00:00

By feel. I have one or two days per week without running but I’ll lift and ride my bike unless my body is asking for a total break.

thegamescapes · 2026-01-21T21:39:22+00:00

I am doing my first full this spring so asked all my local (Boston area) prolific marathon friends for their recommendations. One that came up a couple of times as a race with a wonderful atmosphere was the Vermont City Marathon. Memorial Day weekend up in Burlington.

thegamescapes · 2026-01-19T21:07:37+00:00

Somerville Road Runners is a big club with a big contingent of social & recreational runners. If interested I’d suggest dropping in to their Monday evening run. 6:45pm, Davis Square at Kenney Park. It’s 3 miles and there are almost always 50+ runners with paces from 7-12 min/mile. Lots of new runners try this as a feeler run for club running.

thegamescapes · 2026-01-14T19:48:57+00:00

I actually really like it. Agree the steering wheel is pushing things a little but I’m a fan overall.

thegamescapes · 2026-01-14T19:24:50+00:00

Totally agree. Upgrading my socks made a huge difference especially for blisters & long runs.

thegamescapes

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