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FUEL

Nutrition is the engine of sub-3 marathon training. Here we cover carb-loading strategies, hydration plans, gel use, electrolyte balance, supplements, and everyday diet choices. Breaking three hours requires fuelling for recovery, heavy mileage, and race-day performance – and small mistakes can cost minutes. These articles explain how sub-3 runners manage carbs, protein, and micronutrients to stay strong through training blocks and deliver when it matters most.
A stylized digital illustration shows three marathon runners sprinting side by side, all wearing race numbers, with one runner slightly ahead in an orange SUB-3 singlet.

Should sub-3 runners take creatine?

A long-time gym favourite, creatine is now finding a home in the world of distance running – and for good reason.
Patrick Hayes 22 Aug 2025
Two men eating dinner side by side in a restaurant. One devours a giant bowl of pasta; the other, wearing a "SUB-3" shirt, eats white rice with a fork and knife.

How should I carb load before a sub-3 effort?

Why carb loading doesn’t mean stuffing your face – and how sub-3 runners get it right.
Patrick Hayes 22 Aug 2025
Cartoon-style image of a smiling runner in a SUB-3 shirt sitting at a table with chicken, steak, sushi, rice, eggs, protein bars, and a shake — highlighting protein intake.

How much protein should I be eating for a sub-3 effort?

If you're chasing sub-3, getting enough protein can help you bounce back faster, retain muscle, and train more effectively — without bulking up.
Patrick Hayes 22 Aug 2025
Digital illustration of carb-rich foods like bread, pasta, and cereal inside a red forbidden sign, with bold text below reading “NO CARBS ALLOWED!” on a beige background.

Should I try carb depletion for a sub-3 marathon?

It’s old-school, largely discredited by science — and still, in some cases, surprisingly useful
Patrick Hayes 22 Aug 2025

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