@prof shares the surprising results of his 36-hour fasted climb up Mt. Revelstoke—and why it shook two decades of fueling beliefs. Backed by insights from Tim Noakes and Phil Maffetone, this post explores the emerging science around fat adaptation, glucose regulation, and the real limiter in endurance performance.
It’s about the brain, not just the muscles.
Challenging Beliefs - by Dr Paul Laursen
Share your take or N=1 experiences below!
You can certainly go a lot longer on low carbohydrate intake than many would have you believe. In 2013 I rode about 400km on 3 packets of ready salted crisps and a couple of cokes. All because I had an upset stomach during an ultra endurance cycling event and that’s all my stomach could tolerate. Fat oxidation certainly plays a larger role than many acknowledge.
Last weekend I rode the first 169km (of a 331km ride) on one jam sandwich and about 70g of Wine gums.
Phil, now I must know: what is a Wine gum???
Not alcoholic if that’s what you thought!
I love wine gums 
like gummy bears - But better!
I am interested on this low carbo approach but where i can find more info on how to apply to my all day activity? Thanks
Hi @Prato ,
Definitely listen to the podcast I did with Tim and Phil to anchor the idea. They are the pioneers. When I work directly one-on-one with athletes coming to me on this we use Tim’s Real Meal Revolution as a day-to-day guide and follow the green-yellow-red food guide. Here is our Athlete Compass Podcast team’s thoughts.