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Health and Wellness

5 of the Best Parts About Carb-Loading

C-A-R-B-O-H-Y-D-R-A-T-E-S

Allison

Oct 17, 2016

University of Michigan at Dearborn

Animal New York

I'm running my very first half-marathon. Or I'm attempting to run or something. Basically, I will be moving my body somehow for 13 miles. And with such prolonged exertion of energy comes the need to build my body up for the miles that lie ahead. And that is why the great athletic geniuses have come up with my favorite part of training: Taper week and Carb-loading.

While I'm sure there are many more nuances and scientific terms that are necessary in understanding these terms, I know that both concepts are applied to preparing our bodies for an absolutely inhumane workout (seriously, why do we do this to ourselves?). When specifically referring to carb-loading, though, it is to build up enough stored energy as not to hit a wall halfway through the race. But if you're me, that also means that it's literally Christmas for 2-3 straight days. And with my excitement of carbohydrates in mind, here have been my favorite parts of carb-loading thus far.

1. PASTA

Did we not see this one coming? Virtually every person that has even attempted to run talks about the inordinate amounts of pasta eaten prior to a big race. I got so excited about it that I created a pinterest board last night to store up some ideas. Little did I know that my board creation sent out a notification to my followers, and now everyone knows my pasta-obsessive secrets. It's fine.

2. Eating all the time

And being absolutely unashamed. "Yes, Martha, I know I just ate 20 minutes ago but I'm carb-loading, what do you want from me?!"

3. Eating (almost) anything I want

Okay, sure, I might not have as much freedom in this area as I may have allowed myself. But the things I have been limiting all season are totally game right now. I'm taking FULL advantage.

4. Being able to use fancy athletic terminology that I've never used in my life

"Oh yes, I'm tapering this week." "The goal of carb-loading is to build up glycogen." It makes me sound so sophisticated and athletic. I never got the opportunity to know these types of things in high school band practice. Let me live my dreams of being cool and athletic for a minute, okay?

5. Spaghetti

Please see Number 1.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 of the Best Parts About Carb-Loading

C-A-R-B-O-H-Y-D-R-A-T-E-S

1. PASTA

2. Eating all the time

3. Eating (almost) anything I want

4. Being able to use fancy athletic terminology that I've never used in my life

5. Spaghetti

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2. "Dorm Life!"

3. "Never mind, where is my apartment?"

4. "Whose idea was this 8 AM?"

5. I'm so looking forward to that nap."

6. "I don't have the brain capacity for this"

7. "Wow, college is great"

It's easier than you think.

1. Look into Housing and Dining.

2. Pay attention to campus postings.

3. Find common interest groups.

4. Join an intramural sports team.

5. Work on a cause that you care about.

6. Join a club related to your major.

7. Get an on-campus job.

8. Volunteer.

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

1. You need people to hang out with.

2. You don’t want to be stuck alone eating lunch or dinner.

3. Weekends suck without anyone to share them with.

4. College will be miserable for you.

5. Finding a roommate for the following year will be impossible.

6. You need someone to talk to about personal stuff or homework that isn’t your mom.

7. Classes will be boring and quiet for you if you don’t know anyone.

8. Walking around campus is just awkward.

9. Homework help and study buddies do not exist.

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

1. Comfort

2. Confidence

3. Surprises

4. Self Esteem

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

1. You dress for the temperature of the library, not the weather outside.

2. You say hello to the security guard when he or she walks by.

3. The employees at Starbucks know your name and order.

4. You eat all your meals at a library cubby, not at your own house.

5. You take the quiet floors very seriously.

6. Any night you are not at the library is a special occasion.

7. You have shown up to the library hungover on more than one occasion.

8. Your friends always text you when they are going to the library because they know you will be there.

9. You have taken a nap in the library at some point.

10. You know all the cold and hot spots in the library.

11. You've seen your studying pay off.

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