Training Program and Supplements

**DISCLAIMER: You should always consult with your physician prior to starting a workout regime or taking supplements.

Training Program: I suggest you take a lot of time when choosing a program that will fit your needs. I found Hal Higdon’s programs when training for my first half marathon.  There are a ton of programs available for every distance and skill level. Are you just getting into running? There is a 5k option but breaking into running can be difficult and if you need something a little more interactive I would suggest looking into the app C25K APP.

Because I had such great success with Hal Higdon’s program when training for my first half marathon; it was my first choice for my first full marathon. Now I have been out of the running game for a while so I opted for the Novice Supreme 30 week program. However, I am currently 33 weeks out from my race so adjustments must be made to avoid peaking too soon. I started running again a month ago and already feel comfortable running 5 miles without stopping, which also happens to be week 10 on the training program. I intend on working on speed, form and adding distance up to a half marathon for the next 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, I will resume the schedule as outlined to avoid burning out and overtraining.

Training updates will be posted regularly.

Supplements: Training for a long race is very taxing on the body. I find that it is much more difficult to recover now than it was when I first started my fitness journey. As such, I am taking my nutrition and supplementation much more seriously. Pre/Intra/Post-supplementation is crucial. Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, and valine), Energy Gels/Carbohydrate supplements, fish oil, protein, glutamine, l-arginine, l-carnitine, and beta-alanine were and will once again be main staples in my program.

BCAAs: Branch chain amino acids touted to decrease muscle soreness, increase workout intensity

This is the only area where I will go with a name brand product because all of the other supplements I use are in raw form without flavors and additives. The flavor of all these powders can be overwhelmingly bad without something to cut the flavor. I find BCAAs the perfect solution as it is something I would ingest anyway.  I chose to go with MAN Sports because for one they have a deal going on right now at a1supplements buy 2 get one free and I have been curious to try it out.

 

**You can purchase the following products from other retailers in flavored varieties in beautiful bottles… but you will pay a steep price. I used to be into all the fun flavors but I noticed that all the different additives gave me a stomach ache! Not to mention all the additives/colorings that are used to make things look more appealing/stable. We have so many endocrine stressors in our environment, why pay more money just to swallow more?!?! This time around I am opting to go a more natural route. I have not tried any of the following but will be reviewing them soon. Again, BCAAs will be my only flavoring to mask all of the following:

 

L-Arginine HCL Powder: The body produces this in small quantities. Supplementing with this is touted to induce Nitric Oxide and provide Muscle support= longer/stronger/more intense workouts. This was a staple in my prior training.

 

 

 

L-Glutamine Powder: an abundant amino acid that is reduced with exercise and does not replenish till one recovers from exercise. Touted to help with DOMS- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. This is a staple of athletes in almost every sport all across the world. I have used this in non-flavored versions in the past… I am glad I have something to mix it with… I will leave it as that!

 

 

 

 

Beta Alanine Powder: I have used this in capsule form in the past. This will be my first go at a powder version. This helps when taking part in large amounts of physical activity by increasing endurance.

 

 

 

 

 

L-Carnitine Base Powder: There are two types on Carnitine- L and D. L- Carnitine helps the body convert fats into energy. D-Carnitine permeates the blood-brain barrier for brain/nerve support. I am opting for L-Carnitine.

 

 

 

Fish Oil (1000mg) Softgels: I have never bought unbranded fishoil. My joints could really use the extra lubrication so I am excited to get this back in my system. I just hope that this doesnt give me fishy burps….

 

 

 

So there goes my first order. If you guys have any questions please put them down below. I am excied to go on this journey will all of you. I have some supplements in stock at my house for intra supplementation that I will cover in my next “Marathon Mondays” so stay tuned for that!!

This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are used for featured products. If you follow them and purchase products it helps me out and I greatly appreciate it!