Final answer:
Complex carbs, when eaten, are converted to glucose and stored as glycogen, which can enhance performance and delay fatigue in endurance athletes through energy reserves that are readily available during prolonged activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, complex carbohydrates can increase performance and delay fatigue in endurance activities if eaten. This is because they are converted into glucose, which provides biochemical energy. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscle tissue, which can be used during long endurance events such as marathon running.
These stores of glycogen serve as a reserve of energy that can be quickly mobilized to meet the sustained energy demands of prolonged physical activity. Athletes often participate in carbo-loading prior to an event to maximize their glycogen storage and maintain a high level of performance. This practice includes eating carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, pasta, and potatoes, which are easily digested and essential for producing the energy needed for athletic competitions.