The night before the world-renowned Patriots’ Day Run (aka, “Boston Marathon”), the thousands of marathoners who convene in Boston typically prime themselves by “carbo-loading.” The legendary meal of choice is most often pasta—the classic, complex-carbohydrate concoction. Carbo-loading has assumed near-mythic status as a prerequisite to marathoning success—the way to prepare for challenges requiring over-the-top endurance.
The basics of this classic marathoner meal have changed little over the years. However, nutrition science and ingredient technology have advanced to where the complexity of the repast is in more than just the carbohydrates consumed.