Do you really need 90-120g/h of carb for long runs? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 20, 2026 · 23 MIN

Do you really need 90-120g/h of carb for long runs?

from Dear Runner Bod, · host Serena Marie RD

Everyone online is talking about fueling with 90–120g carbs/hour during runs… but is that actually necessary for most runners? And why does trying to copy elite fueling protocols sometimes end in GI disaster? 😅 In this episode of Dear Runner Bod, I break down: • what the research actually says about high-carb intra-run fueling • why elite athletes can tolerate massive carb intakes during exercise • gut training and how your intestine adapts over time • why going from “never fueling” to “6 gels/hour” can backfire fast • the role of glucose + fructose transporters • how underfueling overall is often a bigger issue than underfueling during runs • realistic fueling ranges for recreational runners vs elite endurance athletes • why more carbs is not always better We also talk about how social media tends to flatten nuance in sports nutrition. Just because some athletes can tolerate 120g/hour doesn’t mean every runner needs to chase that target. Your fueling strategy should match: ✔️ your training load ✔️ your event duration ✔️ your intensity ✔️ your gut tolerance ✔️ your actual physiology Because the goal isn’t maximal fueling. It’s effective fueling. If you want getting dressed to feel less stressful and a lot more supportive of your mental health and your body image click here to try Nuuly and save $30! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 20, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Do you really need 90-120g/h of carb for long runs?

0:00 23:49

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Dear Runner Bod,?

This episode is 23 minutes long.

When was this Dear Runner Bod, episode published?

This episode was published on July 20, 2026.

Can I download this Dear Runner Bod, episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!