Marathon preparation is a serious commitment— from long hours spent training to healthy diets, it takes a lot to prepare for the big race. However, there are ways to make the preparation easier. BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids), for example, offer runners a tremendous benefit, helping them improve performance and help muscle recovery to achieve their personal best times. Here are some tips on preparing for a marathon and how BCAAs may help you. Get ready to have your best race yet!
BCAAs are a supplement that improve stamina, protect your muscle, and enhance recovery. It’s taken before or during your workout, and helps you stay energized for longer, which is necessary for marathon training. BCAA supplements can also contain several vitamins, electrolytes, and hydration aids. Gym Molly’s After Party BCAA in particular is known to have a great combination from their Vitamin B complex, Vegan BCAAs, and coconut water for hydration. These ingredients help dilate blood vessels, which increases blood flow. Increased blood flow delivers more oxygen to the muscles, which prevents them from tiring out and allows you to run for longer. After Party BCAAs are also certified Vegan, so no animal cruelty from start to finish.
Drink BCAAs during your training along with water giving your body the vitamins it needs for your peak performance. On top of giving you extra energy, BCAAs can also help ease muscle pain. If you know that runner’s pain all too well, you know it can impact your ability to have your best race. If you take BCAAs, you have a better chance of reaching your personal best time!
As with any supplement, BCAAs will only help you if you combine it with other healthy habits, such as eating well and exercising regularly. In particular, be sure to eat protein meals. BCAAs help distribute protein to muscles that are damaged in training to help them heal. Whether you take BCAAs or not, staying hydrated is critical when doing strenuous exercise such as running a marathon. Make sure you drink enough water before and after your marathon training, especially on the big race day. Dehydration will speed up muscle fatigue and can leave your mind feeling foggy. Concentration and brainpower are just as important as energy when it comes to completing a marathon!
Finally, make sure you eat enough carbohydrates when preparing for a marathon. This is not the time to go on a calorie deficit or avoid carbs because they’re “bad”. Carbohydrates are the quickest and most available energy source for the body, and cardio-intense exercises such as marathon running require lots of energy. Your marathon-preparation diet should include many complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, starchy vegetables, beans, and legumes. Brown rice is the most consumed grain in the world, and helps make sure you have the energy for your race. Whatever you do, make sure that your routine doesn’t suddenly change before your race day. You don’t want to introduce new products or habits at the last minute and confuse your body. Everything should be familiar for the best chance to feel comfortable and perform your best.