a copy of a post I sent to some newsgroups...


Many thanks to Roger, Donovan Rebbechi, Curt, and other for your suggestions
regarding my question regarding whether a person on a low carb (paleo)
diet can still do endurance running -- which I define as simply
running for a long period of time. This question was prompted by the
realization that on my usual recreational runs of about 30 min each, I
did not feel tired at all, unlike before when I was on a moderate carb
diet. So, I asked a question on alt.support.diet.low-carb and
rec.running on whether running a *half marathon* on LC was possible.

The resulting debate piqued my interest to such an extent that I
decided to do an experimental run tonight.

I was able to run for 1 hour 35 minutes. The distance covered is
approximately 9 miles. (this makes it a slow run). This is
approximately 70% of a half marathon. I had to return home because of
(I apologize for this embarrassing detail) incredibly desire to go to
the bathroom. I am glad that I made home in time! This must be some
unique problem of mine. Otherwise, I still do not feel tired and could
easily go for, say, one more hour, to complete the half marathon.

Get this, my legs are not tired at all, although my knees feel slight
discomfort.

Lest one might think that I am a uniquely trained individual,
possessing unusual natural endurance, no, that is not so. Before LC, I
would be dog tired by now, even at my current weight, barely able to
move. I did not run all that much lately, running on and off maybe
1-1.5 times per week, 15 or 30-33 minutes at most.

What I think is that at slow running speed (10 minute mile), when I
can run but still talk a bit, fat burning facilitated by LC supplies
me with a steady stream of energy, enough to run slowly. Obviously, I
will never win tour de france or anything like that, but, I definitely
will try running next half marathon.

Again, thanks to many for my suggestion, I will try to attend some
half marathon, and will not eat any carbs prior to it. If I bonk, so
be it, but given today's results, it is unlikely.

i