Do You Take the Good Stuff?

Ok. So, here’s the deal. Over Christmas, like everyone else, life got busy. I had just spent the last four months running in some major events (200km 24hr, 26hr BYU, 120km & crewing at C2K), and while I did pretty well in all of them, honestly, it felt like I was either tapering or recovering for most of that time. The result? A bit of laziness and some not-so-great food choices, which led to some unwanted extra kilos.

But hey, 2025 is here, and with it, new goals! I had access to a gym, my family wanted some quality time after my crazy 2024 race schedule, and I felt sluggish. So, I decided the first six months would be all about getting lean, fast, and “marathon fit.” I reduced my weekly running from 100+ km to about 75-85 km.

This shift in lifestyle led me to try something else new as well: supplements. Yup, I started researching them and looking into the weird and wonderful world of supplements! I was just obsessed with the idea that if there’s a legal “superdrug” out there that helps with sleep, recovery, running performance, or anything else like that, then I wanted to know about it. After all, we’re always talking about the 1%ers, and these could be just that. If they’re effective, convenient, legal, and affordable, why the hell not give them a try?

So, after months of trial and error, here’s what I’ve landed on. Disclaimer: this is ABSOLUTELY not for everyone, but it seems to be working for me.

Lions Mane Mushroom in My Morning Coffee Lions Mane is like brain food in a cup. It’s been shown to help with mental clarity, focus, and even nerve regeneration. For runners, it’s perfect for staying sharp and being in the zone during long runs or training sessions. Plus, who doesn’t love a little brain boost with their morning caffeine? It does add a particular earthy taste, but you learn to love it!

Creatine in Coconut Water on "Key Session Days" Creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders. For endurance runners, it helps improve muscle performance, delay fatigue, and enhance recovery. Coconut water’s natural electrolytes are a great match, helping you stay hydrated while fueling your muscles. On those big training days, it’s an absolute game-changer.

Creatine in Sustagen Sport Milk on Recovery Days Post-run recovery is key, and creatine still plays a role. It helps muscle repair and reduces soreness, even on easy days. Add Sustagen Sport Milk to the mix for extra protein and carbs, which helps your muscles recover and rebuild faster. Any excuse for chocolate milk!!!

Beetroot Powder in Sparkling Water with Lemon Beetroot powder is packed with nitrates that help improve blood flow and endurance. It’s a natural way to boost stamina, so you can go the extra mile without feeling wiped out. Add a splash of lemon for some Vitamin C and extra zest and these increases the amount absorbed! It’s refreshing and helps with hydration, too.

Golden Latte at Lunch (Turmeric, Ginger, and Pepper) Turmeric, ginger, and pepper are like the dream team for reducing inflammation and easing sore muscles. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties help keep you feeling fresh, while ginger aids digestion and boosts circulation. A little pepper helps with the absorption of turmeric, (2000% increase!) making this latte a powerhouse for endurance runners.

Pillar Magnesium and Water at Night Magnesium is a must for muscle recovery and sleep. It helps with muscle relaxation, preventing cramps, and improving overall sleep quality—so you wake up feeling ready to take on the next day. If you’re a runner, getting quality rest is just as important as your training, and magnesium can really help with that.

Pumpkin Seed Extract (and Regular Pumpkin Seeds!) When I asked ChatGPT how I could drink all this stuff without living in the bathroom, it suggested pumpkin seed extract! Turns out, it’s known to help with bladder health. Since it didn’t quite fit my budget, I just toss some pumpkin seeds on my breakfast or yoghurt. Does it work? I’m not sure yet, but it’s worth a shot!

It might sound like a lot, but honestly, it’s super easy. I’m feeling more energetic, less sluggish, and pretty confident I’m on the right track. If you’re unsure about any of this, I always recommend consulting a professional. Or, you can do what I did—research, dive in, and see what works for you. Not every supplement made the cut for me; some were too expensive, others didn’t do much, or I just didn’t feel the benefits. But the ones I’ve stuck with? They’ve been pretty awesome.

So, are you ready to take the good stuff?