Final answer:
Consuming a high-carb diet the day before exercise, also known as carb-loading, can provide a significant advantage to runners. A moderate-carb diet immediately before exercise is also beneficial as it provides quick energy to the muscles. Following a low-carb diet or avoiding carbohydrates pre-exercise can be detrimental to performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbohydrates are an essential fuel source for athletes, especially before exercise. Consuming a high-carb diet the day before exercise, also known as carb-loading, can provide a significant advantage to runners. This strategy ensures that the muscles have enough glycogen, which is the stored form of carbohydrates, to use as fuel during exercise.
A moderate-carb diet immediately before exercise is also beneficial as it provides quick energy to the muscles. However, it's important to note that the timing of carbohydrate consumption is crucial. Consuming too many carbohydrates too close to exercise can lead to discomfort and digestive issues.
In contrast, following a low-carb diet or completely avoiding carbohydrates pre-exercise can be detrimental to performance as it limits the availability of energy for the muscles.