Crazy Taters for Crazyleggers
The 30th Annual Crazylegs Classic run takes place in Madison this weekend. The idea for Crazylegs came together “over a couple beers” (so it’s fitting that the race ends with complimentary beer served in Camp Randall Stadium) as a means of raising money for Badger Athletics. It has grown from 1,525 participants in 1982 to 20,415 participants in 2010. And the entire event ends with the Crazylegs Classic post-race festival — free fruit, water and complimentary beer, as well as performances by the UW Marching Band and the Eddie Butts Band.
Thinking of participating in Crazylegs? Then fuel up with potatoes. Runner’s World recently posted an article encouraging runners to fuel up with taters — nutrient-rich carbs. Why? Because potatoes provide runners with the energy they need, help them maintain a healthy, trim waistline and may even help prevent cancer. Potatoes also:
Have 37 grams of carbohydrates. That provides runners with about 10% of the carbs they need and helps replenish glycogen to keep you going.
Help keep your digestive tract in tip-top shape. Potatoes are rich in fiber — this promotes healthy removal of wastes and can reduce body fat.
Improve your recovery from exercise. It’s important that all athletes give their bodies a chance to recover — and that they eat foods rich in antioxidants to help their tissues recover. Red and purple potatoes are perfect because they are especially rich in antioxidants.
Promote healthy circulation. Your average potato provides 614 mg of potassium and 35% of your daily vitamin C needs. That means healthier arteries, and better circulation and blood pressure.
Get Crazy! Fuel up with taters at breakfast, then run, walk and enjoy the Crazylegs experience!
