Hitting the Wall

‘Hitting the wall’ occurs when the body has depleted all its stored energy in the form of glycogen and feels extremely fatigued and weak. This sensation is also often referred to as bonking or blowing up. Most long-distance runners and cyclists hit the wall at least once. The symptoms include heavy legs and arms and dizziness and the loss of the motivation to keep going. To prevent hitting the wall, one should consume carbohydrates intelligently ahead of and during workouts, pace oneself to conserve energy, and condition the body to utilize fat for energy. By managing all these well, the athlete can overcome or avoid the condition and continue to do well in long races.