Prepping for Paleo

So a few times a year, my gym does a Paleo Challenge, and we're gearing up to start again (you can participate too, just click here).  Paleo is not some "lose weight fast" gimmicky diet, it's a way to get back to your roots.  Our ancestors didn't eat all the sugars and carbs that Americans are currently consuming by the pound; they ate lean meats, vegetation, and berries and nuts.  Simple, huh?

Actually...no.  The last time I tried to do Paleo, I realized how much "crap" I was consuming on a regular basis, and it's not until you try to eat "real" food that you will realize this too.  However, after a few weeks of conscious eating, I started to get the hang of it and I now eat Paleo 80% of the time (don't get me wrong, I still LOVE mac n cheese and beer).

So, as a distance runner, doing a Paleo Challenge takes even more preparation.  Technically, I can't eat Gu during a long run...instead, I will pack some dried apricots, that are packed with enough sugar to keep the muscled fed without being fake.  Also, no more pasta for carb loading...instead, I'll have a delicious baked sweet potato with a drizzle of olive oil.

This week, I'm working on weaning myself off of all the amazing tasting, horrible-for-me-crap that I consumed during the past six weeks.  I literally feel like I'm sweating Christmas Cookies.

What does Paleo really have to do with running?  It's all about fuel.  The better the fuel you're putting in, the better the energy that comes out.  Treat your body like a Maserati and it'll perform like one.  Treat your body like a crappy weekend rental...well, you should get the analogy by now.