Like any endurance activity, ultra running can benefit from supplements that help maintain energy, reduce fatigue, and assist recovery. Running recovery supplements are just part of the picture. This article will look at supplements that can help long-distance runners and why AltRed might be the key to unlocking new heights to your potential!

 

The Demands of Ultra Running

‘Ultra running’ refers to any distance longer than a marathon. These runs can take place anywhere, from sprawling cities and to forested hills, and the demands of this kind of exertion can be intense. 

Hours of running depletes glycogen stores, breaks down muscles, and taxes the cardiovascular system. Without the proper preparation, including training and diet, runners can get injured and face prolonged recovery time. 

For athletes in competition, even if it’s just trying to best last week’s time, lack of preparation almost always leads to weakened performance. To meet these demands, improve your performance, and stay safe, ultra runners need to carefully watch what they eat and fill in the gaps with the supplements that are right for them.

Protein

Protein is necessary for building muscle, and ultra runners tear their muscle down again and again. In order to get back to hitting the pavement (or trail), you need to have enough protein in your body to repair that damage. 

Supplements for muscle recovery can help. Some athletes argue that with the right diet, protein supplements aren’t needed, so talk to a physician if you’re not sure about what’s best for your body and routine.

Carbohydrates

Carbs get a bad rap in modern culture, but they’re maybe the most important part of a runner’s diet. Without sufficient carbs in your diet, your run is doomed before it even starts. 

A rule of thumb in ultra runs is that you should consume as much fuel as is safe and comfortable. This will change over time and should be adjusted carefully.

Similarly to protein, depending on your diet, you may not benefit from a carbohydrate supplement. However, because energy consumption is so high in ultra runs, you will need a source of carbs, and some runners prefer that this comes from supplements.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals that regulate muscle contractions, nerve function, and hydration. One of the key electrolytes is sodium, which leaves our bodies in sweat. If you’re running for hours and hours, you’re likely to sweat a decent amount. 

Electrolyte imbalance can be serious. Think about these minerals like oil in your car engine: it’s dangerous to flood the system with too much, and it can be disastrous to have too little. Ultra runners should make sure they pay attention to their electrolyte intake over the course of their run to keep the machine running smoothly and prevent injury.

Caffeine

Caffeine is used by many athletes as a performance enhancer, though its exact benefits and how to best achieve them are debated. There is some data to suggest that caffeine makes people more focused and alert. 

It’s also been shown that caffeine affects people’s perceived rate of exertion, referring to the real benefit might be in how you experience your run rather than your actual physical performance. Regardless, it remains a favorite of ultra runners, especially on multi-day endeavors.

 

The Power of AltRed

AltRed is a supplement composed of 25% betalain extract, a naturally-occurring chemical found in beets. It has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and numerous benefits for ultra runners.

Oxygen

AltRed betalains stimulate the formation of nitric oxide, a key part of blood vessel function and health. This facilitates vasodilation, leading to increased blood flow and helping muscle performance. It has also been clinically proven to improve oxygen delivery in muscles and help reduce muscle damage.

Recovery

For ultra runners, one of the most important parts of the process is recovery. AltRed can help you sustain less damage so that you can recover faster and train more. Studies have found that athletes who used AltRed had lower levels of an enzyme that is an indicator of muscle damage.

Better Than Competitors 

Many beetroot supplements contain 1% or less betalains. Because AltRed contains 25% of a proprietary extract, absorption rates are much higher than when eating beets or taking other supplements.

AltRed can be taken with or without food, and it should be taken an hour or two before your run. Depending on the length of your outing, take another capsule every two hours.

 

Ultra Success

Ultra runs can be meditative, competitive, and transformative. To get the most out of your run while taking care of your body, check out our guide to supplements for endurance!