Not familiar with the term? Get familiar because it's one of the joys of marathon training. Carbo-loading, short for carbohydrate loading, is a strategy often used by runners, such, to maximize the storage of glycogen(energy) in the muscles and liver.

Carbohydrate loading is only effective for endurance events lasting longer than 90 minutes, which is why it is most popular among marathoners. According to Runner's Connect, during intense, endurance exercise, your muscles will become depleted of glycogen after about 90 minutes. Carbohydrate loading is meant to optimize glycogen storage that your muscles can tap into once the normal amounts are used up.

Now that you're familiar with the term, you can start increasing your carb intake up to five days before your race. Two days before the race, really start to pound those carbs. As previously mentioned in a blog, Runner's World says to aim for a carb intake close to 3.6 to 5.5 grams per pound of body weight during those two days.

Every publication makes their own lists on the best spots to load up on those carbs around Chicago but we don't feel they do it justice so we made a list for runners, as told by runners. Here are the responses from last year and some updated responses from this year:

The Question

— Fleet Feet Chicago (@FleetFeetChgo) October 4, 2016

The Answers

Rose Angelis was my favorite carb-load ever, on the Friday before my first marathon (Chicago 2015).

— Melissa Paraf (@melissaparaf) October 2, 2017

@olivegarden never ending pasta bowl! And cannot go wrong with unlimited salad and breadsticks!

— Kathleen Benson (@irishkelly9) October 4, 2017

Aloha Poké! Biggest ahi tuna brown rice bowl with lots of veggies.

— Jaye Valenzuela (@ballerlibrarian) October 2, 2017

Since I work in the Loop, I've been eating a LOT of Noodles and Company of late.

— Matt Lindner (@mattlindner) October 2, 2017

@FleetFeetChgo Maggiano's!!! Eat a pasta there, take one home for later!

— Tremper Girls Track (@TremperGirlsTF) September 26, 2016

@FleetFeetChgo Topo Gigio in Old Town. Authentic Italian eats!

— Catherine (@CatherineMoloz) September 26, 2016

@FleetFeetChgo @ChiMarathon @IslaPilipina rice, rice, rice

— Kathy Adalin (@kathy2577) October 4, 2016

Some Opted For the Homemade Route. For Good Reason.

I cook my own pasta! I buy boxes of Fusilli and cook 2-3 cups at a time for myself. Served with garlic salt + baked chicken in coconut oil.

— Steven Gomez (@ElStevenGomez) October 2, 2017

During the week: @WholeFoods salad/hot bar. Night before: organic pasta, organic & grass fed beef & homemade sauce. #runchi https://t.co/BK2RyPu54j

— Katia (@katiapiza) October 2, 2017

Home cooking is always best. And have a nice early dinner planned at Osteria Via Stato for Saturday.

— Richard (@arrpeeoh) October 2, 2017

@FleetFeetChgo @ChiMarathon a delicious Filipino-style spaghetti prepared by my lovely wife @aniamalek

— Damian L. Malek (@_Damian11) October 4, 2016

@FleetFeetChgo @ChiMarathon Chez Moi! I’ve made a tradition of making Spaghetti and Meatballs before all my races for the last few years!

— Lee Jarvis (@LeeJarvis) October 4, 2016

@FleetFeetChgo @ChiMarathon At home because I'll know the nutrient content and don't wanna risk it. #nothingnew pic.twitter.com/4O7sdqkCfN

— Emily Kean, RDN (@Keannutrition) October 4, 2016

Some Wandered Away From The Usual Italian/Pasta Route

For healthy fats the day before, I go more Mediterranean at IDOF.

— Melissa Paraf (@melissaparaf) October 2, 2017

Though It Seems The Pasta Bowl Seems to Have Won Over Many

@FleetFeetChgo @ChiMarathon The Pasta Bowl on Clark. Their Rosemary Gorgonzola Gnocchi is why humans were created. @ThePastaBowl is my all.

— Justin Stone (@DisnyRunr24) September 22, 2016

@FleetFeetChgo @ChiMarathon carb loading at @ThePastaBowl as always! Been my go to while training! 🙌🏽🍝

— Jason McFly (@WrigleyRunner) October 4, 2016

Some Had Some Serious Concerns

@FleetFeetChgo @ChiMarathon I'm carbo loading to spectate. Does that count?

— Kate H (@KEH1982) October 4, 2016

Join The Conversation

Where are you carb-loading before the @ChiMarathon and why? Let us know to be featured in tonight's article.

— Fleet Feet Chicago (@FleetFeetChgo) October 4, 2016