EXTRA,  FEATURES,  HEALTH,  Nutrition,  September 2025

Carb loading: What, when, and how to fuel a big swim

Carb loading is especially useful before long endurance events that last over 90 minutes, such as marathons, long-distance swims, or cycling races, where your body relies heavily on stored energy. Health and fitness coach Vivienne Rickman is your guide.

Carb loading might sound complicated, but it’s actually a simple nutritional strategy to make sure you have enough energy to go the distance – without running out midway through.

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Outdoor Swimmer is the magazine for outdoor swimmers by outdoor swimmers. We write about fabulous wild swimming locations, amazing swim challenges, swim training advice and swimming gear reviews.