long distance runners need all of the same nutrients found in a balanced diet that other people need. because long distance runners burn more calories than non-active people they need to eat more food and need more of the easy-to-access energy that comes from carbohydrates such as bananas and breads. according to sports nutritionist nancy clark ms rd author of nancy clark’s sports nutrition guidebook runners also need to pay attention to their protein intake. she states that “a more-than-adequate intake for runners is about 0. 75 grams protein per pound body weight (1. 5 grams protein per kilogram).
what nutrients are the most important for a long-distance runner to consume?