Book Review: Finish Line Fueling – An Essential Guide to Runner’s Nutrition
Fueling is probably one of the hardest things to do when competing in a long course, no matter if it’s a triathon, swimming event or even a half or full marathon. Finish Line Fueling – An essential Guide to Runner’s Nutrition by Jackie Dikos, RD, CSSD, CLT, helps the athlete figure it out.
In the beginning of the book, Dikos talks about setting goals and discusses the five “key fundamental fueling components,” which includes – water, healthy fat, antioxidants, quality carbohydrates and lean protein. She also talks about protein and how it should be consumed with every meal. “Protein needs to be heightened the first two weeks of a new training regimen or for the first two weeks of any increase in training load,” the author writes.
Dikos talks about signs of stress and discusses that the most common cause of respiratory infection is due to depleted immune system. She then goes on to discuss how to overcome this.
In addition, Jackie Dikos talks about supplements, when to take, how to take and more. It’s interesting to learn how different foods can impact your training and racing. She goes on to talk about race day strategies, what to do and what not to do.
The majority of the book includes amazing recipes that will enhance your fueling for long or short course training and racing. She even has a section on problems like for example, if you get inflammation (like I do) or if you crave sweets or salts, what to do and what not to do.
The book is more of a resource manual to keep around and refer to during the season. Jackie Dikos has some interesting ideas about fueling and I know I’ll be referring to the book during my long course training!
