Food Supplement for runners

Drexl Spivey

It is used in the bodybuilding world but do you runners use this and do you find it beneficial: http://www.runworx.ie/energy-food/whey-1kg

Rantan

I'm not being smart but I have a feeling the answer from most people here would be a resounding "no".
To be honest I really couldn't say why...its just a feeling . Judging by the amount of replies I might be right I have never used a product like that and never would...I use a powder form of isotonic drink though..

gmurran

Most runners doing high intensity exercise will have taken Protein at some time or another, very often mixed with carbs. In fact many including myself will take it on a regular basis. There wouldn't be a day where I dont have at least one protein shake after a speed or gym session.

The key is to know how much protein you take in from natural sources. if you are already getting enough then taking this is just extra calories.

gottarun

Yes.

I use it as a breakfast supplement when planning a long intensive training session, usually a bike / run brick session. I also use it when carb stripping as protein is important for preventing muscle breakdown and reducing fatigue.

I also find by mixing the powder with water rather than milk its not as heavy on the stomach. I'm also a big fan of the recovery powder which keeps me away from the biscuits after a session.

It may be placaebo but its helped a lot with stripping weight this year and increasing my recovery time.

Bambaata

I take NutritionX Whey vanilla protein in the porridge every morning. Bloody love the stuff i do! I only use about 1/2 a scoup so the tub lasts about a year! I also find it stops me using any sugar as i like the taste of it over sugar

Aside from that i use fish oil, lysine and vit tablets - taking certain ones at certain times. Right now im taking a lot in the lead up to Galway, ill go off most after it

BobMac104

i have a tub of nutritionx prox that i take a half scoop added t choc milk straight after a particularly hard run. The tub has lasted and will last for a long time as i only use half a scoop 2-3 times a week.

I also take a tbl spoon of udo's oil in orange juice in the morning. kinda manky tasting but it does me good.

Ideally if you can get the nutrition you need from your diet its probably best.

ocnoc

I never understand what the big whora about supplements is. Surely you can get everything you need from a good diet?

Redmond101

ocnoc wrote: »

I never understand what the big whora about supplements is. Surely you can get everything you need from a good diet?

It's all relative, in my situation I've a good diet but without some supplementation I would not be able to consume a suffient level or carbs, calories, protein etc to offset what I'm burning with my training program

BobMac104

your right ocnoc that is the best way to get it.

Sometimes though it is difficult to eat a "daycent" dinner straight after a tough run when its most effective to eat. In those cases a bit of help in getting what you need for the most effective recovery cant be a bad thing.

BobMac104

Redmond101 wrote: »

It's all relative, in my situation I've a good diet but without some supplementation I would not be able to consume a suffient level or carbs, calories, protein etc to offset what I'm burning with my training program

good point

MrCreosote

Redmond101 wrote: »

It's all relative, in my situation I've a good diet but without some supplementation I would not be able to consume a suffient level or carbs, calories, protein etc to offset what I'm burning with my training program

Why not? Even a professional/elite athlete should be able to get all they need from a normal diet. The only thing I can see going for the whey is that it might be cheaper than other protein like meat.

Bambaata

I take protein to do 2 things, recovery and quench appetite. Nothing will keep you full like protein. When i have it in the porridge i only need an apple or banana to get me to lunch whereas before i was hungry for something decent by 11am! Theres no harm in adding a small amount of protein. Also if you dont eat as soon s you finish intense exercise you arent going to recover as quickly. A shake etc is a very handy way to get something good in within 5 seconds of finishing

Mr Marri

ocnoc wrote: »

I never understand what the big whora about supplements is. Surely you can get everything you need from a good diet?

In theory yes, but it's practically impossible (magnesum, potasium Vitamin B3,6,12/D would be impossible for me). As much as I hate to say it a multi-vit/minerial is essential.

gottarun

A lot of vegetarian and vegan athletes rely on whey supplements to get the appropriate amount of quality protein into their diet. I know of a few triathletes who improved their overall performance and put it down to the additional protein source.

Tofu just didnt cut the mustard.

Redmond101

MrCreosote wrote: »

Redmond101 wrote: »

It's all relative, in my situation I've a good diet but without some supplementation I would not be able to consume a suffient level or carbs, calories, protein etc to offset what I'm burning with my training program

Why not? Even a professional/elite athlete should be able to get all they need from a normal diet. The only thing I can see going for the whey is that it might be cheaper than other protein like meat.

Clearly you associate supplements with your standard protein etc

Name a few professional athletes that don't have any form of supplementation in there died be it a multi vititiam, fish oil, BCAA or protein!

MrCreosote

Redmond101 wrote: »

Clearly you associate supplements with your standard protein etc

Name a few professional athletes that don't have any form of supplementation in there died be it a multi vititiam, fish oil, BCAA or protein!

Not at all. What I said was that they don't need to be taking the supplements, not whether they do or not. Cut away the placebo effect, and marketing cash they pocket for taking them and there's hardly ever a benefit over a normal diet. The odd exception like caffeine or creatine for some sports.

Not including veganism in this btw, it's barely compatible with normal existence, whatever about elite sports.

The australian institute of sports have a good page on this: http://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition/supplements/classification_test
It cuts through a lot of the bull. Even their "proven" supplements are only used for specific scenarios.

Basically if you can't get what you need in through food, either you've some medical condition, or your diet is sh*t.