Is a pre-workout supplement useful for long distance runners?
Pre-workout supplements are often used by people who work out regularly to boost their energy and performance.
The multi-ingredient supplements are taken prior to engaging in physical activity.
Pre-workouts are available in various forms, but they most commonly come as powders that you mix into water and then drink.
These supplements can be beneficial for all kinds of fitness activities, such as cardio routines, strength training, and sports. Pre-workouts can also be useful for long-distance runners.
Why are pre-workouts helpful for long-distance runners?
Stamina and strength are crucial to successful long-distance running.
Pre-workouts use ingredients like caffeine to boost muscle strength and reduce fatigue. In turn, that means you can push yourself further and literally go the extra mile.
While pre-workout supplements can be excellent for taking before a race or running session, they can also be used by long-distance runners when they undergo other workouts, like high-intensity interval training sessions.
So, whether you just run for fun or are a professional long-distance runner, taking the right pre-workout supplement can make all the difference to your performance.
Other key benefits of pre-workouts for long-distance runners include:
An increased focus.
A reduced perception of effort and pain.
An enhanced ability to burn fat during running.
When you make great workout supplements a part of your pre-running ritual, you can gain long-lasting energy and razor-sharp alertness. In turn, that means the intense effort needed to finish the last mile could become a thing of the past.
Should you take pre-workouts before every run?
While the advantages of pre-workouts should now be clear, it is not actually best to take them before every single run you do.
Your body can become intolerant to any substance that you regularly ingest, so pre-workout supplements are no different. If you use them before every run, they can become less effective over time.
Therefore, you should take short breaks between using pre-workouts to get the most out of them.
How long does it take for pre-workouts to kick in?
When you take a pre-workout supplement prior to running, you will usually start feeling the benefits after around thirty or forty-five minutes.
Typically, the benefits of pre-workouts last between three and six hours; making them ideal for long-distance running.
What ingredients should you look for in pre-workouts?
Each pre-workout supplement contains different ingredients. Therefore, you may find one pre-workout product works better than another. The key is to find the right one for you.
Some of the most common ingredients found in pre-workout supplements include caffeine, creatine, amino acids, and beta-alanine. The quantities of the ingredients can vary greatly from one product to another.
While more research needs to be conducted, studies suggest that the ingredients of pre-workout supplements that have the most effectiveness are:
Caffeine, which can increase your energy and mental alertness. It could help you reduce body fat, too.
Creatine, which plays a key role in both muscular strength and energy production.
Beta-alanine, which could help to prevent acid building up in your muscle tissue, allowing your muscles to work longer and harder while running.
Branched-chain amino acids, which are known to help increase muscle growth and also decrease muscle soreness. That means that your running performance can be boosted and you can recover more quickly after running.
Nitric oxide precursors, which can boost oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.
The Takeaway
Quite simply, the answer to “Is a pre-workout supplement useful for long-distance runners?” is yes.
The right pre-workout supplement can help to boost your performance and your recovery. But you may have to try a few different pre-workouts and ingredient combinations to find the right pre-workout for you.
posted Friday March 11th
by Colorado Runner