I hesitate to call myself an endurance athlete anymore, mainly because I'm not one, but that doesn't mean that I'm totally out of the game. I still am a recreational cyclist and I enjoy riding up to 50 miles in a morning. That said, I still use many of the supplements that endurance athletes use. To clarify, I refer to an endurance athlete as anyone competing in 140.6 distance triathlons and running events of 50 miles or more. However, athletes who ride, hike, paddle, swim, run, climb, backpack, or otherwise spend time engaged in physical activity will certain benefit from the use of nutritional supplements. Having used a wide array of endurance supplements from nearly every company, I want to write about my favorite place to get endurance fuels: Hammer Nutrition.
Now, all products discussed here can be purchased through Hammer Nutrition. For a 15% discount, use referral code 166517 during checkout. Simply click on the link to the left to go look at what Hammer has to offer.
Let's start with the most basic of fuels, gels. Gels can be used for anything from short runs to a source of energy throughout endurance events. I've used everything from Cliff, Gu, Honey Stinger, and Powerbar to off-brand names. Caffeine and non-caffeinated versions have been used as well. I've even used old expired gels because those suckers are pricey. Over this time I've experienced an array of flavors and GI issues too. For me, I've found that the Hammer Nutrition bottled gel not only is the best for my stomach, but is also easier on the pocket book. The bottled gel allows you to put your gel into a small flask (which will hold up to the equivalent of 5 gel packets), and reduces the amount of trash you accumulate on your ride. The gel flavors are great and peanut butter-chocolate is my favorite with Nocciola (imagine a Nutella like flavor) a very close second. I tried the Nocciola at Interbike and couldn't resist getting a second sample. It was that flavorful. I've found that using a gel 30 minutes before a long workout is best for me. I then transition to a fuel designed to keep the body going, which is either Sustained Energy or Perpetuem.
Sustained Energy and Perpetuem are designed to support you when your activities go beyond two hours. I've used both and prefer Perpetuem when it is used alone, and Sustained Energy when it is mixed with HEED or gel. Both offer nearly the same thing, with only minor variations between the two fuels. However, Perpetuem is specific to "more aerobic paced, longer distance efforts", which is why I prefer it for Ironman distance events. I've used Sustained Energy for 70.3 and olympic events with good success. The key is to experiment with what works best for you during training. Hammer sales their products in individual size servings so that you can see what works best for you without committing to a 32 serving container. I speak about this from experience............
I broke a cardinal rule in endurance sports, and I tried something new the morning of the St. George Ironman (140.6). I mixed my Perpetuem into a pancake like batter to increase the calorie density of my fuel. Having only used it in a liquid form before it made me feel sick during the bike. That is the only issue I've had with Hammer products, and I blame myself given that my body wasn't used to processing fuel that way. Use the products in training and don't divert from that no matter what your coach, friend, training partner, etc tells you.
HEED is another one of Hammer's products that I use because of the mild flavor and limited impact to my GI. During my race mentioned above I ended up sick and unable to take in any calories. I took some gatorade at the 55 mile mark on the bike and ended up vomiting because it was too sweet. For whatever reason, it made me sick. I wish I'd have had some HEED. HEED is an electrolyte additive that has a very subtle flavor. I've found that mixing a bit of HEED with unflavored Sustained Energy gives you a great kick when working out in warmer climates. If you have a sensitive stomach like me this is the ticket for you. If you've used Nuun before, you'll likely be able to quickly transition to HEED.
Recoverite is my favorite Hammer product however. I was having a less than stellar masters swim workout when my lane partner asked me what was wrong. I explained that I'd done a brick workout and that I hadn't recovered yet despite two days of solid rest and recovery. He quickly recommended Recoverite, which I dismissed, assuming that it was another ploy to enhance my performance. On a trip to my local REI I noticed that they had sample sizes of Recoverite, so I grabbed one of each flavor. I don't know if it is magic, placebo, or what, but when I take Recoverite I feel better, my legs bounce back faster, and my workouts are more productive. Grab a couple single serving packets and put it to the test. It'll be worth the few bucks you spend.
I've used various other Hammer products ranging from triathlon kit to vitamin supplements with great success; however, one of the best things about Hammer is their customer service. Recently my dad placed an order and one of his products wasn't immediately available. Within an hour of the next business day starting he received a phone call, explanation, apology, and a follow-up email stating when it would be available. It turned out it arrived two days after his other products. Who else has that kind of service these days? I love Hammer because they also throw in a gel or two, a towel, or some stickers with your order. I've always got something small with my orders. So, if you want a positive experience with some great endurance fuels give Hammer Nutrition a try. You won't regret it. Remember to enter the code about for 15% off your first order.
Now, all products discussed here can be purchased through Hammer Nutrition. For a 15% discount, use referral code 166517 during checkout. Simply click on the link to the left to go look at what Hammer has to offer.
Let's start with the most basic of fuels, gels. Gels can be used for anything from short runs to a source of energy throughout endurance events. I've used everything from Cliff, Gu, Honey Stinger, and Powerbar to off-brand names. Caffeine and non-caffeinated versions have been used as well. I've even used old expired gels because those suckers are pricey. Over this time I've experienced an array of flavors and GI issues too. For me, I've found that the Hammer Nutrition bottled gel not only is the best for my stomach, but is also easier on the pocket book. The bottled gel allows you to put your gel into a small flask (which will hold up to the equivalent of 5 gel packets), and reduces the amount of trash you accumulate on your ride. The gel flavors are great and peanut butter-chocolate is my favorite with Nocciola (imagine a Nutella like flavor) a very close second. I tried the Nocciola at Interbike and couldn't resist getting a second sample. It was that flavorful. I've found that using a gel 30 minutes before a long workout is best for me. I then transition to a fuel designed to keep the body going, which is either Sustained Energy or Perpetuem.
Sustained Energy and Perpetuem are designed to support you when your activities go beyond two hours. I've used both and prefer Perpetuem when it is used alone, and Sustained Energy when it is mixed with HEED or gel. Both offer nearly the same thing, with only minor variations between the two fuels. However, Perpetuem is specific to "more aerobic paced, longer distance efforts", which is why I prefer it for Ironman distance events. I've used Sustained Energy for 70.3 and olympic events with good success. The key is to experiment with what works best for you during training. Hammer sales their products in individual size servings so that you can see what works best for you without committing to a 32 serving container. I speak about this from experience............
I broke a cardinal rule in endurance sports, and I tried something new the morning of the St. George Ironman (140.6). I mixed my Perpetuem into a pancake like batter to increase the calorie density of my fuel. Having only used it in a liquid form before it made me feel sick during the bike. That is the only issue I've had with Hammer products, and I blame myself given that my body wasn't used to processing fuel that way. Use the products in training and don't divert from that no matter what your coach, friend, training partner, etc tells you.
HEED is another one of Hammer's products that I use because of the mild flavor and limited impact to my GI. During my race mentioned above I ended up sick and unable to take in any calories. I took some gatorade at the 55 mile mark on the bike and ended up vomiting because it was too sweet. For whatever reason, it made me sick. I wish I'd have had some HEED. HEED is an electrolyte additive that has a very subtle flavor. I've found that mixing a bit of HEED with unflavored Sustained Energy gives you a great kick when working out in warmer climates. If you have a sensitive stomach like me this is the ticket for you. If you've used Nuun before, you'll likely be able to quickly transition to HEED.
Recoverite is my favorite Hammer product however. I was having a less than stellar masters swim workout when my lane partner asked me what was wrong. I explained that I'd done a brick workout and that I hadn't recovered yet despite two days of solid rest and recovery. He quickly recommended Recoverite, which I dismissed, assuming that it was another ploy to enhance my performance. On a trip to my local REI I noticed that they had sample sizes of Recoverite, so I grabbed one of each flavor. I don't know if it is magic, placebo, or what, but when I take Recoverite I feel better, my legs bounce back faster, and my workouts are more productive. Grab a couple single serving packets and put it to the test. It'll be worth the few bucks you spend.
I've used various other Hammer products ranging from triathlon kit to vitamin supplements with great success; however, one of the best things about Hammer is their customer service. Recently my dad placed an order and one of his products wasn't immediately available. Within an hour of the next business day starting he received a phone call, explanation, apology, and a follow-up email stating when it would be available. It turned out it arrived two days after his other products. Who else has that kind of service these days? I love Hammer because they also throw in a gel or two, a towel, or some stickers with your order. I've always got something small with my orders. So, if you want a positive experience with some great endurance fuels give Hammer Nutrition a try. You won't regret it. Remember to enter the code about for 15% off your first order.