This article was written by Dan Nestor. When Dan is not working at The Feed he is logging some serious miles as a professional runner training in Boulder.
Happy first day of spring everybody! We made it through those long, cold, and grueling winter months. So, all those days when you woke up to see freezing temperatures and thought to yourself, "no way am I going outside today" are coming towards an end (hopefully). Everyone take a quick moment to pat yourself on the back and say, you did it!
Anyways, now that warm weather is finally upon us and some more consistent training is now possible, we want to make sure you are prepared!
So here are our best recommendations to survive and thrive in your spring training plans! After all, spring miles, bring summer smiles, right?!
1.) Try BeetElite: Nitrates in beet juice have been shown to boost power output without changing oxygen consumption. Nitrates effectively lower the oxygen cost of exercise. The University of Exeter study conducted by Dr. Andrew Jones found that competitive cyclists were able to shave 45 seconds from a 16.1km Time Trial. Researchers have found that as a vasodilator (widens blood vessels), beet juice decreases blood pressure, which allows better blood flow as well as oxygen consumption. It also aids your muscles by reducing the amount of oxygen needed during exercise. So your heart doesn't have to work as hard and muscles will have greater endurance and will recover faster. Studies also have shown that little, if any, increase in endurance performance resulted from just one day of beet juice. Natural Nitrates, such as in fresh beet juice and beet juice powder need several days of continuous use to be maximally effective.
As a runner, I have found so many benefits in using BeetElite to help me recover and get after it in my training. Go with the Black Cherry flavor.
2.) Run Gum: Don't let the name deceive you. Run Gum is great for cyclists, triathletes, breakdancers, and bowlers alike. This gum is infused with caffeine, b-vitamins, and taurine that will provide you with instant energy. Run Gum always gets me feeling motivated to conquer the day and start my morning run on a high note!
3.) ELECTROLYTES!!! As the warm weather picks up, you are going to naturally start sweating a little bit more. Electrolyte replenishment is such an important and essential tool for every athlete of any kind. Luckily, we have two new products that are perfect for solving this problem
SaltStick: Cramping is inevitable if you don't tackle it in the right way. SaltStick Caps have been formulated to provide electrolytes to help minimize heat stress and muscle cramping due to perspiration, in a quantity and form which your body can absorb!
Nuun Vitamins: I personally find water pretty boring to be drinking after training days. Nuun has always helped me make staying hydrated a little more exciting. Nuun tablets are great because you just drop one in your water bottle and bam, you have a great tasting, electrolyte drink ready to roll. With 7 essential vitamins in every tablet, you'll never feel dehydrated again.
4.) Emphasize sleep!
As an athlete, sleep is your best friend. You recover the best during those hours your laying horizontal dreaming of endless feed snacks.
As a self-diagnosed insomniac, I personally struggle with getting the appropriate amount of sleep. Luckily, there are great products out there designed to help people like me get some zzzs.
Good Day Sleep Chocolates: I've used melatonin pills before, but there is something about these delicious chocolates that knock me out. Infused with melatonin and red wine extract, be prepared to fall asleep within half an hour of taking one!
Calm: This magnesium super supplement is a great nighttime beverage. Magnesium is great for aiding in muscle recovery as well as relaxation!
Try out these two products together, I dare you. You'll sleep like a baby!
Need more tips on your spring training!? Email dan@thefeed.com for anything you want to know!
