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After months of training, runners across the region are making their last-minute preparations for Sunday’s Twin Cities Marathon and 10 Mile races. One of the most enjoyable parts? Carbo-loading, a meal traditionally full of pasta, pizza, bread or rice that helps give runners enough energy for the long race.

Jillian Tholen is a registered dietician nutritionist and certified sports nutrition specialist who ran both in high school and college and uses her running background to help clients make sure they are fueling their bodies properly. 

Tholen joined MPR News host Tom Crann on this week’s Appetites to explain the connection between carbs and cardio and what runners should be focusing on this week. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Tom Crann

Host

Lindsay Guentzel

Author

More than 13,000 runners will take part in this weekend's Twin Cities Marathon and 10-mile race, but what do they need to be focused on this week when it comes to nutrition? You may have heard of carbo-loading — a meal one or two days before the race that's heavy on bread or pasta. But how does that benefit the runner?

More than 13,000 runners will take part in this weekend's Twin Cities Marathon and 10 mile race but what do they need to be focused on this week when it comes to nutrition? You may have heard of carbo-loading -- a meal one or two days before the race that's heavy on bread or pasta. But how does that benefit the runner? Registered dietician nutritionist and certified sports nutrition specialist Jillian Tholen joined MPR News host Tom Crann to look into the connection between carbs and runners. 

The connection between carbs and cardio ahead of the Twin Cities Marathon

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