Marathon running is an educational experience. There is a lot more to it than putting on the Nikes and "Just Doing It". I learned that carbohydrate loading, as they used to call it, was the key to not getting fatigued. And complex carbohydrates were the type to consume.

These healthy edibles are found in vegetables, nuts, seeds and grain. Some examples of foods high in starchy complex carbohydrates include bread, cereal, rice, pasta, potatoes, dry beans, carrots and corn. All grains contain complex carbohydrates, but whole grains -- such as whole wheat pasta -- are better for you as they are higher in fiber. One of the best sources of complex carbohydrates is dried beans. They don't need to be combined with anything to give you complex carbohydrates. Dry beans do need to be combined with grains in order to provide vegetarians and vegans with all of the forms of protein needed for good health, and there is no need to combine these carbohydrates when dieting.

Three or more single sugar molecules linked together to make up complex carbohydrates. Long chains of sugar molecules are called starches and they serve as the storage form of energy in plants. Branched complex carbohydrates called cellulose form the structural components that give plants their shape. Starches digest very easily, but your body doesn't digest cellulose, which is an important component of dietary fiber.

Cereals and grains all contain complex carbohydrates. Whole grain products also contain fiber, while processed flours have had the bran and husks (thus most of the fiber) removed. Fiber is important for digestive health and can keep the tummy full for hours. Complex carbohydrates should be a major component of your diet; about half of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates - mostly from grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates shouldn't be used as often.

There is a certain "zen" that people have described after a marathon run, that is, when the body, mind and soul all meld. A few have described it as an "out of body experience". I describe it more accurately as an out of breath experience.

Whether its eating healthy, running, or a combination of them, there is zen involved.