So today is a long run day, my goal is to make it anywhere from 17-20 miles. So in preparation for this insanely long run I am counting on my very green bowl of fruit and yogurt. Spirulina is my power food, packed with protein, B12, iron and endless other goodies. This super-food is even said to enhance exercise performance, so bring it on!
“Consumption of spirulina enhances exercise performance: A January 2010 research study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise reported that spirulina had a positive impact on exercise performance. In this study, nine physically fit men took either a placebo or spirulina for four weeks. The men ran on a treadmill for two hours every day, running at 70-75% of their VO2 max and 95% of their VO2 max to exhaustion. Both exercise performance and respiratory function were measured. Blood samples were drawn at regular intervals during the study. The results were impressive. The time to fatigue after the two hour run was significantly longer among the men who took spirulina. The carbohydrate oxidation rate was decreased by over 10% and the fat burning rate was increased by almost 11% over the placebo group. The study concluded that spirulina really does enhance exercise performance.”
The following was taken from the website Natural News, to learn more go to: http://www.naturalnews.com/034809_spirulina_allergies_exercise_recovery.html#ixzz2RiU3DoOP
With spirulina in my system I am off! Let’s see how I hold up after 2 hours J
The result:
My 19 miles yesterday was no breeze, but, it wasn’t deathly either. I found myself with this constant state of energy, not the heart-pumping blood flowing kind from energy drinks, but an ability to just keep going. I have found this to be true the other times I have had spirulina before a run as well and was very pleased to be able to keep going like the energizer bunny.
Spirulina before a long run is a must in my book, however, don’t let me misguide you, my back still started to cramp and legs tighten up, the green stuff isn’t a miracle worker but more like a great enhancement to my runs. 2.5 hours with no gel packs, a few sips of Powerade and water of course, and still didn’t hit the wall; not too bad!
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