Minute 2: How did we enter a golden age of running?

These days, it seems like professional runners are breaking records every week. Most recently, we covered Faith Kipyegon’s possible journey to a sub-4 minute mile and Jacob Kiplimo’s half-marathon WR. The question is: What alchemical secrets did humans unlock that turns running performance into gold?

Amby Burfoot investigated some potential answers in: “Why Runners Are Racing Faster Than Ever.” He interviewed 20 leading scientists in endurance running to get to the bottom of the mystery, and in their opinions, super shoes, better training, and sodium bicarbonate have been making the greatest difference. One expert even said that the combination of carbon-plated shoes and sodium bicarb could account for a 3-5 second improvement in the mile. For races longer than 15 minutes, high-carb diets may make a greater difference. You may be thinking: “Isn’t sodium bicarbonate just baking soda?” Technically, it is! Take a look at “Sodium Bicarbonate Supplements and Exercise Performance” to see the research behind its effects. Essentially, it helps maintain a lower acidity level in our muscles by buffering excess hydrogen created during anaerobic exercise. However, we wouldn’t recommend eating the baking soda in your pantry by the spoonful, because you’ll probably experience bloating and GI distress. Supplements like Maurten’s Bicarb System are designed to deliver the same benefits without the tummy ache.