Are you looking to have a boost of energy when you go for your daily run? Then, pre-workout might be your way to go. Although people might guess these supplements are not suitable for running, that is a common myth.
You can indeed use pre-workout for running. The fact is, no matter whether you intend to go for a long run or a heavy weight lifting session at the gym, you need pre-workout either way.
The best pre-workout supplements for running provide more than just an energy boost to get you started. They also offer beneficial supplements that boost the immune system and aid in recovery after a run.
Pre-workout are used by runners to improve performance during long intensive runs. These supplements fuel your body so you can run for long distances.
To help you know more about pre-workout, I have provided you with an extensive guide, in which you can go over everything from benefits to the best-selling pre-workout for running.
So let’s just dive right into it!
But What Is Pre-Workout?
The idea of running religiously is euphoric; however, in reality, your everyday run can lose its excitement, and you might end up giving up running.
To keep up with this one healthy habit can be difficult because of your busy schedule. This is where pre-workout saves the day and doesn’t let you run out of your habit. So what is a pre-workout supplement?
Pre-workout supplements are multi-ingredient nutritional formulations that are used to enhance athletic performance.
If you want to finish each workout with vitality, a pre-workout supplement will replenish your energy and enable you to be active every time.
Ideally, you use a pre-workout before going for a run as it burns not just your calories but also helps in the breakdown of fat cells. In addition, the pre-workout is intended to provide you with the energy you need to run continuously by increasing your stamina and endurance.
Pre-workout supplements contain a variety of ingredients, some of which may or may not contain carbs. Although most of them have vitamins, electrolytes, and antioxidants, and some may include stimulants such as caffeine.
Some supplements contain ingredients that aid in maintaining lean muscle mass and the recovery process after a run. In addition, pre-workouts can prevent extreme exhaustion after your workout session.
There are numerous pre-workout formulations and flavors available. They come in various forms, including fine powders, capsules, tablets, canned drinks, etc.
The supplement you pick for yourself must be based on your fitness goals, as some improve muscle strength while others may increase endurance.
Should You Take A Pre-Workout For Running?
The confusion of whether or not you should take pre-workout for running is real. However, these supplements do improve your performance while you run. Most runners will benefit from pre-workout supplements, whether it is an energy drink or a powdered substance mixed into your drink or a large cup of coffee.
As the name suggests, these supplements are taken before your workout to boost energy before you go for your daily run.
If it is one of those lazy days and you don’t feel like going for that intense interval session or a race, taking these supplements will help you feel more energetic and not miss your workout.
There are several reasons you should take pre-workout as a runner. Still, the most notable are decreased pain perception, increased endurance, and even increased fat burning during exercise, which is excellent if you are looking to shred a few pounds.
It would be best if you steered clear of sugary beverages such as energy drinks before exercising when you are trying to lose weight.
However, pre-workout before running regularly may not be as effective because taking this supplement frequently may increase body adaptation, reducing the overall effect. This would make taking more pre-workout supplements to achieve the same results.
I would recommend you take this supplement only when necessary, for instance, if you are doing high-intensity running or a marathon. Although you should remember that pre-workout is not for everyone, especially those who are caffeine sensitive.
Take a pre-workout supplement at least 30 to 60 minutes before you go on a run to get the best results.
Benefits Of Pre-Workout For Running
Pre-workout stimulates you to complete your run and even helps your body in retaining strength. Moreover, there are several benefits of pre-workout for running:
- Pre-workout supplements provide you the energy, vitamins, and electrolytes your body requires as fuel sources for intense long runs.
- A pre-workout can help keep your glycogen stores from depleting, preventing muscle cramps, fatigue, and nausea.
- While our bodies can convert fat to a fuel source, the process is slow and does not help in fueling your body for a run.
- Pre-workouts will improve your muscle endurance and mental focus, as well as keep you motivated on those long runs where you can set a personal best time.
- They will get the oxygen and nutrients your body requires through the bloodstream much faster and may reduce the perceived effort.it
- Pre-workout supplements can help you improve your breathing patterns and enable your body to burn fat by lipolysis to use fat as the primary source of energy.
- If you take a pre-workout that contains BCAA’s, the muscle recovery rate will increase.
- Pre-workout boosts the growth of muscle.
No matter if you are just starting to take these supplements or want to try something new to help you push your limits, pre-workout can be advantageous either way.
Risks of Pre Workout for Running
Pre-workout have several benefits, from a quick recovery to a painless run. However, it can have side effects as well. If you’re particularly sensitive to caffeine, you are advised to either avoid pre-workout or start with minor doses. You can slowly build these doses up depending on the individual product, but ensure to do this slowly.
According to research, potential side-effects of pre-workout are:
- Digestion problems
- Jitters
- Feelings of anxiousness
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations or increased heartbeat
- Tingly or itchy sensations
- Headaches
- Increase in blood pressure
These possible side-effects vary from person to person. No matter how good the quality of the pre-workout, there’s always a possibility that you could be receptive to one or more of the ingredients.
Top 5 Pre Workout For Running
Whether you are looking for a vegan pre-workout or a flavored one, I have suggested the top 5 pre-workout for running. Most of them help you build muscles and endurance.
1. Nature Fuel Power Beets
Nature fuel power beet is a widely used pre-workout supplement primarily formulated for runners. It is developed using vegan-friendly ingredients with a high concentration of antioxidants, reducing the risk of numerous diseases.
Furthermore, it is packed with electrolytes and nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties. It boosts the circulation of blood for more oxygen deliverability. Each scoop contains at least 20 calories, and 2 grams of organic sugar without any artificial flavors added.
- Each scoop – 6 grams
- Servings each container – 60
- Total Weight – 15.2 Ounces
| PROS | CONS |
| Contains antioxidants and nitric-oxide-boosting nutrients for more immunity Anti-inflammatory properties Organic plant-based electrolytes added No artificial adulterants, colors, or flavors | Sometimes it is hard to mix this powder in the water |
2. Legion Pulse
Legion Pulse is one of the best-selling pre-workout supplements that come in a variety of incredibly naturally sweetened flavors. It has a blend of highly nutritious ingredients like betaine, citrulline, beta-alanine that enables you to lift more to build muscles. It constitutes 350 mg of caffeine and L- Theanine for better athletic performance.
It contains 100% natural organic ingredients and no artificial stimulants. Also, it improves your mental focus and uplifts your mood with better energy levels.
- Each scoop – 11.8 grams
- Servings each container – 21
- Total Weight – 1.32 Pounds
| PROS | CONS |
| Contains 100% natural ingredients. Comes in a diverse range of flavors to pick from. Both caffeinated and non-caffeinated variants are available. Sharpens your mind and helps build muscle Elevates your mood with refreshing natural flavors | Not many caffeine-free flavors are available. |
3. Top Secret Nutrition Cardio Igniter
This pre-workout is power-packed with vitamin B6 and B12 (methylcobalamin) ingredients, which keep you active throughout the day.
It has a fine blend of various electrolytes to balance the fluids of the body. In addition, it contains a combination of essential amino acids and 150 mg of caffeine along with other organic extracts (Beetroot, Orange, and Raspberry) to enhance your athletic performance.
- Each scoop – 6 grams
- Servings each container – 30
- Total Weight – 1.6 Ounces
| PROS | CONS |
| A wide range of flavors is available. helps increases muscle oxygenation Contains electrolytes, and Vitamin B6 as well as B12. Only calories per scoop contain 100% natural ingredients | The blend of both natural and artificial adulterants could change the taste at times |
4. 6 AM Run Marathon
This pre-workout contains a combination of 12 free-form BCAA’s and amino acids that promote muscle development. It enables accelerated recovery of your body and provides you with ten or more hours of energy boosts.
All you need is one scoop of this vegan-friendly formulation for a great workout session without feeling bloated or cramped. It contains 175 mg of caffeine, which is enough to give you a solid pump. This drink can be used as a pre-workout drink as well as a post-workout drink to provide energy for the rest of the day and aid in muscle recovery.
- Each scoop – 6 grams
- Servings each container – 40
- Total Weight – 14.9 Ounces
| PROS | CONS |
| Contains a blend of 12 free-form BCAA/amino acidsKeto and plant-based Enhances mental focus and helps with recovery, Can be consumed as pre or post-workout Contains 175 mg of caffeine for a better pump. Can be taken pre-ore- or post-exercise drink | Contains artificial adulterants and flavors |
5. Red Leaf Pre-workout Energizer
Red Leaf pre-workout energizer is a great option as it provides an energy boost to help you start strong, the endurance to keep going when you start to feel tired, and to assist your muscles in recovering properly after your run.
This pre-workout contains beta-alanine and BCAA, which affect your muscle growth and help prevent muscle breakdown during high-intensity runs. It boosts the immune system and also prevents muscle fatigue, you can recover from a dose of L-glutamine present in this product.
- Each scoop – 6 grams
- Servings each container – 30
- Total Weight – 5.71
| PROS | CONS |
| Combination of Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA)Improves focus and energy levels. Speed up muscle recovery after a heavy workout session. Contains organic natural sugar. Added antioxidants for better immunity | Some users experience itching due to BCAA’s |
Conclusion
Pre-workout supplements give you the energy boosts you need to run while surpassing your records. It has various health benefits, whether you want to lose weight or want your body to recover from the intensive run.
Furthermore, you can pick any of the pre-workouts I have suggested and achieve your fitness goals.
However, your pre-workout can also have side effects, so make sure you read your way through it to avoid it.
But overall, pre-workout is an excellent option when you are looking to start your every exercise with a boost!
