Training on Fluid

I've spent this week coming back from a month off sick. Just one easy work out each day with a two a day on Thursday trying to get back in the swing of things. I have been using fluid after each session with great success. I had been exhausted just from being sick and wasn't sure how well my body would handle getting back into training but each day I felt better after my workouts. I definitely have to give credit to Fluid for getting me back into training again so quickly.

My shipment of Fluid came in this week and I am loving the new chocolate flavor. I had been using chocolate milk as a recovery drink for several months after a classmate of mine completed a study in which the participants using chocolate milk improved muscle mass over over those using protein drink. After looking into the differences between Fluid and chocolate milk I have to say Fluid all the way. There are two points that really stood out to me:

1. Protein source: the primary source of protein in chocolate milk is Casein which takes 4-5 hours to digest. While the primary source of protein in Fluid is Whey which digests in 45-60mins. When looking at recovery time is of the essence. There is a short window of time after exercise in which the walls of the muscle cells open up and take on more nutrients then at any other time of day. This window lasts somewhere between 30mins to and hour. Getting protein in to the blood stream quickly during this time is essential for muscle building and recovery. As you can see the numbers speak for themselves.

2. Glutamine: Glutamine is an amino acid which is very important to athletes. It is essential for immune function, can reduce inflammation and help rebuild muscle. In endurance athletes glutamine stores can be depleted as it is a secondary energy source. Depleted glutamine sources in the body can lead to fatigue and illness. When it comes down to it Fluid has glutamine, chocolate milk does not.

Though there are other differences of course those are the two that really stood out to me. I have only been using Fluid for a week now but I definitely have seen a difference. I am excited to see how my race next month goes!

Fluid Sponsorship

I finally decided it was time to get my own sponsorship with Fluid independent of the team. Mainly because it just makes ordering easier. Having them as a team sponsor is great though, not only are they an awesome supportive company to work with but as such there logo is already on my jersey! Placed my order yesterday and I am totally stoked to try the new chocolate flavor!

ZYM Sponsorship

Just got a sponsorship with ZYM Sport Drink Tablets. I have never used this product before. It is apparently similar to Nuun which is what I have used in the past. Unlike the Nuun tablets that I have been using though the ZYM I ordered has a kick of caffeine! Which many studies have shown improves performance. Needless to say I am very excited to test this out!

Swimming for Recovery

I came across an article today that states swimming is good for recovery! I was already a firm believer in recovery swims. Last week after a long run my knee and ankle were really bothering me. I still had a swim on the books for the day so I hit the pool. After my swim the pain was gone and I was feeling better then before my run.

Swimming lengths and stretches out the muscles which always makes me feel better when everything is tight from a hard workout. But even more then that this article sites a study which shows that C-reactive protein, a biomarker of inflammation, is much lower in runners who took recovery swims after high intensity work then in runners who just rested. What else can I say I'm sold!