Grant Fisher from the United States made headlines by setting a world record in the men’s indoor 3,000 meters at the Armory Track in New York on February 8th. Just six days later, on February 14th, Fisher stunned the running world once again by breaking the world record for the indoor 5,000 meters at Boston University. The 27-year-old athlete, fresh off a successful season with two silver medals at the Paris Olympics, attributed his remarkable performances to his exceptional fitness level, the high-speed track he was running on, and innovative Nike spikes designed to enhance energy return.
Surprisingly, when asked about the secret behind his record-breaking runs, Fisher revealed a rather unexpected factor – baking soda. He shared that adding baking soda to his routine had potentially made a significant impact on his performance, even if it was just a small percentage. Many elite runners, including Fisher, have turned to baking soda, scientifically known as sodium bicarbonate or “bicarb,” as a legal method to improve their running times.
The use of sodium bicarbonate, particularly in the form of a specialized system from the Swedish company Maurten, has gained popularity among professional runners. Its benefits in countering muscle acidity and reducing fatigue during intense workouts have been well-documented. Notably, at recent major championships, a substantial number of medalists across various running events were reported to have incorporated bicarbonate into their training regimens.
The running world has witnessed a flurry of world records being shattered in a short span of time, attributed to advancements in technology, faster equipment, improved recovery methods, and top-tier coaching. This trend has sparked discussions among experts and coaches about the potential for even more groundbreaking achievements in the future, including the possibility of a woman breaking the 4-minute mile barrier.
As the sport continues to evolve, athletes like Marco Arop, the 800 meters world champion from Canada, are embracing sodium bicarbonate to gain a competitive edge. Despite its long-standing reputation for improving performance, athletes have historically been cautious due to potential gastrointestinal side effects. However, the legality and effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate as a performance enhancer have been widely recognized by organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency and World Athletics.
In conclusion, the use of baking soda as a performance supplement is becoming more prevalent in the running community, with athletes leveraging its benefits to push the boundaries of what was once deemed impossible in the sport.
“It wasn’t very effective because a large number of people struggled to handle the stomach issues caused by bicarbonate,” Magness explained. Fisher, after hearing many negative experiences involving nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, decided to test a bicarbonate mixture during the winter months, post-Olympics, with positive results. This improvement may be attributed to recent advancements in bicarbonate technology. Maurten, a Swedish company, has developed a method to encase bicarbonate tablets into a hydrogel that helps the substance pass through the stomach and into the intestine, reducing the likelihood of side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. According to the company, taking sodium can lead to water retention, weight gain, and increased blood pressure with regular consumption.
Maurten gained credibility when renowned marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge achieved multiple world records using their products. Other notable users include Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. Recent studies have shown that bicarbonate may offer benefits to elite runners in longer endurance events, challenging the previous belief that it was most effective in shorter competitions lasting up to 10 minutes. For instance, cyclists who used Maurten’s bicarbonate product during a 40-kilometer time trial experienced a 1.4% performance increase with minimal stomach issues.
Further research is needed as bicarbonate’s effects vary among individuals due to differences in stomach tolerance and exercise intensity. Despite some athletes not favoring the taste of bicarbonate, its potential benefits have caught the attention of some top performers. For example, Arop, a former basketball player turned world champion in the 800 meters for Canada, experimented with bicarbonate before the Olympic semifinal with positive results.
Woods and Arop traveled to France with a purpose, rather than a question. Arop was keen on experimenting with bicarbonate. During a highly competitive year in the sport, where speed records were being broken left and right, Arop was aware that many of his rivals had achieved success using bicarbonate. Woods noted that Arop was determined to leave nothing to chance at the peak of their sport. He believed in gaining even a 1% advantage and was pleased with the results they achieved. While Woods had limited knowledge about bicarbonate before Arop brought it up in France, he now acknowledges its scientific benefits. He believes there is a mental aspect to using it, but he is convinced it is not merely a placebo.
Arop eventually secured a silver medal in the 800 meters, narrowly missing out on gold by a fraction of a second to Emmanuel Wanyonyi of Kenya, who was also using bicarbonate from Maurten. With the 800-meter world record potentially within reach, Arop credited the last-minute addition of sodium bicarbonate for contributing to his personal best time. He noted the widespread use of bicarbonate among athletes and its remarkable effectiveness.
While not all athletes use bicarbonate, it is just one of many factors contributing to what Woods describes as a “golden era” of fast times in track and field. This era is likened to the NBA boom of the 1980s, fueled by advancements in technology and changes in regulations. A competition for shoe innovation has emerged, focusing on energy return through advanced materials like carbon-fiber plates and light foams. Indoor tracks such as the one at Boston University provide favorable conditions for speed due to their design and materials.
Advancements in communication via social media and the internet have revolutionized training methods, providing access to better coaching and preventing burnout in young athletes. This has created a larger pool of talented runners who are inspired by the faster times being achieved by their peers. These athletes benefit from modern training techniques and technologies that were unimaginable in the past, such as those used by Roger Bannister in his pursuit of the sub-4-minute mile.
The mindset within the sport has shifted, acknowledging the evolution of training methods, technology, and performance standards. The game has indeed changed, paving the way for a new era of track and field excellence.
