Why Hungry Howie’s Pizza Is a Smart Carb Loading Choice for Runners

When it comes to carb loading before a race, we usually think of endless bowls of spaghetti. But there's a fresh player in town: Hungry Howie’s Pizza. Yes, pizza! Stick around, because we're about to debunk some carb-loading myths, explore why pizza might just beat pasta at its own game, and show you how Hungry Howie's can be a part of your pre-race nutrition plan.

Why Pizza Has Become a Go-To Carb Load for Runners

Runners love routines, and carb loading the night before can be part of that. Whether you train alone or belong to a group or team, pasta parties are a great time to connect, bond, and share pre-race jitters. Most often at pasta parties, you’ll be twirling loads of spaghetti. But lately, savvy runners have been swapping spaghetti for slices of pizza, especially when they're topped with delicious options from Hungry Howie’s.

Pizza’s growing popularity at pasta parties isn't just about taste (though, let's face it, it's a big factor). Pizza is also practical. It's easy to portion and share, and best of all, no cooking is required. Just order, relax, and carb-load like a pro.

What Is Carb Loading and Why It Works for Runners

Let's get slightly science-y for a moment (don't worry, we'll keep it brief). 

Your muscles store carbohydrates as glycogen, which is essentially your body's premium race fuel. When you run long distances, your body burns through these glycogen stores. Once they're depleted, you hit the dreaded wall, or that moment when your legs suddenly feel like they're filled with concrete and your pace crashes.

Carb loading helps keep those glycogen stores from going bankrupt. By strategically increasing your carbohydrate intake before a race, you maximize these fuel reserves, giving yourself extra miles of energy before the tank runs empty.

And guess what has the perfect balance of complex carbohydrates, easy digestibility, and actual enjoyment factor? Yep, Hungry Howie's pizza.

When Runners Should Start Carb Loading

Proper carb loading doesn’t mean inhaling an entire pizza ten minutes before the starting gun. (Though we admire your enthusiasm, if that was your plan.) The optimal window starts about 2-3 days before your race. This gradual approach allows your muscles to pack away more glycogen without overwhelming your digestive system all at once. 

During these days, you'll want to gradually increase your carb intake while tapering your training intensity. Instead of one massive carb feast right before the race, think several strategic, enjoyable meals.

How Hungry Howie's Pizza Fits In

This is where Hungry Howie's Pizza, from tip to crust, becomes like a power boost.

The Crust: Hungry Howie's dough delivers those complex carbohydrates you need, especially with the original crust option.

Portion Control is Built In: A large-sized 16-inch pizza gives you around 8 slices, making it easy to calculate exactly how much you're consuming across multiple meals. 

Convenient Online Ordering: When you're in taper mode and reducing your mileage, ordering online means race-ready food and a little more rest because we can deliver it right to your door. 

Flavor Variety: Go for traditional pizza or Flatbreads and Howie Bread® for carb loading, you can customize your pre-race fuel, and zero boredom at the table.

When to Eat Pizza Before a Run or Race

Timing is everything in both running and pizza consumption. Here's how to sync them perfectly.

The Night Before the Race

The evening before your race is prime pizza time. This 12-18 hour window before you start gives your body time to process and store all those wonderful carbohydrates without digestive drama at the starting line.

A medium Hungry Howie's pizza with moderately light toppings (maybe go easy on the 3 Cheeser Pepperoni Pleaser at this time) provides a good balance of carbohydrates without overloading your system with fat and protein that take longer to digest.

Avoiding Pizza Too Close to Start Time

While we admire the dedication of anyone willing to eat pizza at 5 AM before a morning race, your performance might not thank you. Pizza consumed within 2-3 hours of start time can lead to what could be called the "sloshy stomach effect". You know that unpleasant sensation of undigested food bouncing around with each stride.

Save the race-day eating for more quickly digestible carbs like bananas or toast, and save the celebratory “everything on it” pizza for your post-race reward.

How to Make Hungry Howie's Part of a Smart Carb Load Plan

Here's the winning strategy!

• Locate your nearest Hungry Howie's 2-3 days before race day
• Order a pizza. Go ahead and add a Flavored Crust® to it, and don’t forget a couple of toppings.
• Enjoy with plenty of water (hydration is carbo-loading's best friend)

When race day arrives and you're passing those pasta-partiers at mile 20, you'll know your pizza-powered glycogen stores were the real MVP all along. Now go find your local Hungry Howie's and carb-load like the awesome runner you are!