endurance and supplements...?

[cozmokramer]

are there any LONG DISTANCE runners out here...?

I'm curious as to what supplements they take... so those that are training for a marathon and such...?

thanks!

 

[fhg43]

Cozmokramer-
I am not a marathoner, but my friend is. She uses some some supplements:

ECA-to cut fat (not a good combo with intense cardio and hot weather though)
Carbo drinks-for refueling on loner runs
Sports gels and bars-refueling before, during, after runs
Whey protein-aid in post run muscle recovery

I use about the same stuff after hard tri brick workouts but have been using some other stuff:

Glutamine-before and after hard workouts
Creatine-before speed workouts or races
Pyruvate-very effective lactic acid blocker

This is the extent of supplements most endurance athletes use. Runners, cyclists, and triathletes are much less likely to use drugs or AAS as they are banned substances. I thinks its really funny that when a runner posts supp questions most people respond "try this AAS or EPO." Endurance athletes think it is impossible to find that stuff and usually only the top pros use it. Many bodybuilders who don't compete have better connections than a top amatuer triathlete or cyclist. I think that is just a function of sports though. Runners, cyclists, and triathletes are continually told that drugs are banned; Bodybuilders aren't. I'd venture that the above items are the extent of most peoples supp usage. I compete as a pro triathlete and have thought about AAS and EPO, but they are hard to get and $$. I only know of a few guys who use anything. Some of the top pros use, but they NEVER EVER discuss it as drug taking has very bad stigma in triathlon or any endurance sports. Usually if I get frustrated about my racing I just figure I can train more and that will make the biggest difference. All the top guys train 30-40 hours a week and if I put in that mileage I am pretty competetive. Of course a few take stuff too so maybe it I just need to train more and level the playing field?!

I think there are some other good supps and I'll post themas I come across them. I'd say if you are running a marathon use some good supps like the stuff above and and run A LOT! Unless you are going to win the damn thing I'd stay away from anything like EPO or AAS. I think at your level training will make the most difference.

FHG

 

[booger]

There is Another Approach

EPO is the chemical equivalent of 'blood doping'. It works. Another approach is to buy a hyperbaric chamber and live in it. Expensive. Or wear a gasmask around all the time. That way you recycle some of the CO2 that you exhale thereby reducing the amount of O2 that you take in. Your body will compensate by increasing it's production of RBC's and create an artificial condition of polycythemia. It'll probably take about a month before you notice any increase. There is more too it than this but these are the general rules.