Fuel Your Run Part 3: The Top 5 Performance Boosters
By Matt Johnson
Founder of The Feed.
For the third and final installment of our fall running series, we disclose the top five ways to boost your athletic performance. Check out how to enhance enhance your performance for high-intensity training and racing, whether you are running, riding, swimming, or more!
Today, I'm excited to introduce the Top 5 methods to enhance your performance for high-intensity training and racing. Whatever it is, if you're doing anything with high intensity that is anaerobic you can benefit. Also, use code: FAST to save 17% on all the products recommended below.
This is the last segment of our three-part series on fueling your run. If you've missed them, check out Part 1: Running with Gels and Part 2: Hydrating while Running.
There are two primary ways to boost your athletic performance and you can combine both for maximum impact. I’ve tried all these products and they all work to boost performance.
Vasodilators
The first are Vasodilators, don’t worry about the scientific word, it just means products that increase the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your muscles, helping delay going anaerobic and speeding up your recovery time after you do. The two most popular are:
Sur AltRed: A small red pill. I usually take two about an hour before working out. Its effects last around 90 minutes. This product has always been very popular with runners.
SwissRX Nitric Oxide: I often use this as its effects can last up to 5 hours. An hour before working out, I take 6-8 capsules. Dr. Sprouse (EF Pro Cycling Team) suggests two capsules daily in the morning and 4-6 capsules before a workout.
The second category of performance boosters are ones that help blunt the effects of lactic acid building up. Specifically, they help buffer changing Ph levels (i.e., burning) that happens with intense exercise, allowing you to push harder for longer.
Buffers
Maurten BiCarb System: Hailed as a top (and sports-legal) performance booster. Mix it in a bowl and consume it 1-2 hours after a meal and 1.5 to 2 hours before a workout or race. Do test it multiple times in training before a race.
Beta Alanine: A traditional choice for managing muscle pH levels. It's taken daily, ideally between 1.5g and 3g, twice daily. It does take a few weeks to reach its peak efficacy. It works, but you have to stick with it for at least 3 weeks to really see the impact. I recommend athletes start with only 1.5g twice per day for a few weeks to avoid any tingling sensations, then try moving to 3g twice per day.
Topical Solutions
Products like PR Lotion by Amp Human and Lactigo are popular choices that athletes apply 30 minutes before training to reduce pain and, potentially, buffer changes in muscle pH. These are easy to use and relatively cheap, and many athletes swear by the impact.
Recovery Shake
Lastly, I always wrap up my runs with a recovery shake. I can't stress enough the benefits of adding a scoop each of Collagen and Creatine. They're tasteless and have become a non-negotiable part of my routine. For shakes, SwissRX Total Recovery is my top pick after doing a high intensity workout where I used these performance boosters as it helps me reduce the added inflammation caused by going so hard.
Your Checklist:
Don't forget to use code: FAST to save 17% this weekend on all the products mentioned above! Plus our team is fully on board with performance boosters and are so fast, that every order ships today.