For elite runners, proper nutrition is one of the key factors to success. But maintaining a balanced diet optimized for performance and recovery amidst rigorous training and racing can be a challenge in itself. That’s why the pros turn to trusted brands like NOW Sports to fuel their training with essential nutrients. As the official sports nutrition partner of the Brooks Beast Track Club, NOW nourishes winners and record holders, but their products also benefit everyday runners. To learn more about how Brooks Beast fuels to win with NOW, we spoke with team nutritionist Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach, associate professor of health and human performance at Eastern Oregon University, and experienced team member and world record holder Brannon Kidder. Here’s what they had to say:
Nutrition for Runners
Outside: Who are Brooks Beasts and why is their nutrition so important?
Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach: The Brooks Beast is a professional track and field team made up of some of the world’s best middle-distance runners. Nutrition is one of the four fundamental pillars of their training, the others being training, sleep, and mental health. First and foremost, proper nutrition promotes overall health and wellness. From a performance standpoint, sound nutrition habits enable the Beast to train effectively, recover properly, and race competitively.
What are the most beneficial supplements for runners?
Paffenbach: The most important thing to remember is that supplements are just that;supplement Eat a healthy diet. If a runner’s overall diet isn’t in order, supplements are unlikely to make up for it. Once a healthy diet is in place, one of the most important supplements is whey protein. Whey is a highly absorbable protein that, when consumed after each run, will aid in the recovery process. Next is collagen peptides. Collagen peptides taken before a run can support ligament synthesis and help maintain healthy soft tissue.* There are also a number of effective supplements that may benefit runners, including beet root powder, creatine, beta-alanine and tart cherry.
Why do Brooks Beasts choose NOW Sports Nutrition products over other brands?
Paffenbach: We trust NOW Sports. NOW is transparent about their testing and quality control. Their supplements are manufactured in-house under very strict conditions. Many of the products in their Sports Nutrition line are third-party tested and certified through Informed Sport. Finally, we like that NOW offers simple, easy-to-understand supplements in effective amounts. NOW avoids overly complicated products with complex blends that contain ineffectively small amounts of the ingredients you need.
FUELING FOR WIN
Brannon, what is your daily diet and post-workout nutrition regimen like?
Brannon Kidder: For my daily nutrition goals, I usually focus on my macronutrient needs. I don’t count these every day, but I do track them in the past to get an idea of what an ideal day looks like. I aim for the same fat and protein goals every day, then vary my carbs to fit my needs. I always make sure I get enough fat and protein in for recovery first, and then I properly fuel with carbs for long, hard workouts. I eat carbs every day, but my needs are different on a 5-mile recovery day than on a 15-mile run.
My diet changes daily to meet the needs of my training but always focuses on hydration and recovery.* Before and during training I add an Effer Hydrate tablet to my water to replenish the fluids lost through sweat, and after training I have a shake with whey protein concentrate and some carbohydrates.
As a daily supplement, I take Beta-Alanine before exercise to delay muscle fatigue and speed recovery time.* And as part of my recovery plan, I use HMB powder to help maintain muscle strength and mass.*
I’ve been a member of Beast for over seven years now, and every year I make small changes to my nutrition. Eating well and taking supporting supplements helps me perform at my best.*
What has been your biggest accomplishment this season?
Kidder: I started my outdoor season with a world record in the Distance Medley Relay. Running a relay professionally is a unique opportunity. When myself and my teammates Brandon Miller, Isaiah Harris, and Henry Wynn were given the chance to run the DMR, we jumped at it. We were excited for the opportunity to race as a team again. It’s special to race with and for a team, rather than as an individual competition.
Coming into this meet, we were excited to have such a talented team and knew we might have a shot at a world record. On paper, we had the ability to go for a world record, but most of the time, relay results aren’t as simple as adding up all of our personal bests on paper. I think we did it because we all ran for each other. We knew all four of us had to have a good day to get the record, and we got up to the task. I ran better than I ever have when I knew my three teammates were counting on me. It’s still early in the season, but this is definitely my biggest accomplishment so far.
What advice can you give to runners who are working towards their personal goals in the sport?
Kidder: When asked this question, I always answer, “Be consistent.” Running is a sport where you get results based on how much effort you put in, but those results are often measured in months or years, not days or weeks. It’s hard to tell in the moment, but many solid training days are the best way to improve. Many good training sessions and runs will always beat inconsistent training.
NOW® Sports Backed by world-class R&D standards and high quality ingredients, our products are recognised as the best in the industry and cater to a wide range of sports nutrition needs for professional and amateur athletes alike.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
