What Can You Take (Legally) to Improve Performance?- Alex Hutchinson

Have you ever wondered what supplements will (legally) help improve your performance? We dive deep into the findings of scientist, Alex Hutchinson to find out what works, what doesn't, and why what works for you in the past, may not work for you in the future.

Runners are continuously searching for answers.

We always want to know what we can do to get better, and how we can keep improving.

I don’t know about you, but I always love learning from the experts to find out what they have discovered throughout their career.

At RunnersConnect you know we are all about the science. We love to dive into the research, and give you the most up to date findings without the bias.

Have you ever wondered what supplements will (legally) help improve your performance? We dive deep into the findings of scientist, Alex Hutchinson to find out what works, what doesn't, and why what works for you in the past, may not work for you in the future.

My guest today is a well known writer for Runner’s World who also does the same thing. Alex Hutchinson has been on the podcast before, but has so many insights that I thought he would be a great guest to have on the show again.

I had the opportunity to ask some questions that I have always wanted to know the answer to. I am sure many of you will have wondered the same things (well I hope so anyway!)

This is an interesting interview, and I am sure you will learn many practical tips that you can take to improve your running in the future.

My guest today is Alex Hutchinson, former physicist, lifelong runner (and former elite), and science journalist who writes for runners world- blog sweat science, the globe and mail, NY times, the walrus, and more

Alex is also the author of Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights: Fitness Myths, Training Truths and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise

Today Alex and I are going to discuss:

  • Why you need to balance the scientist and artist within you to get the most out of your running
  • The importance of responding to intuition and why you should consider not taking measuring tools with you on runs to force yourself to listen to how you feel
  • Why Alex thinks the “running will kill you” claims keep coming back into the limelight
  • Why caffeine, creatine, and beta alanine are three supplements that you should consider to improve performance
  • How caffeine affects the body, and when you should take it
  • Whether coffee drinkers should stop taking caffeine the week before the race, to get the maximum effect on race day
  • Why middle distance runners should consider beta alanine to improve finishing kick
  • Why stacking performance enhancing products will not necessarily lead to multiple performance improvements
  • Why what has worked for you in the past will work for you less and less as time goes on, and why you need to continually look for new workouts to add into your training


Download directly to iTunes

Or download the Full Audio MP3 to listen to on any device (Android and Windows) on your next run.

Want more awesome interviews and advice? Subscribe to our iTunes channel 

You can also download directly to your Stitcher Radio app

May we Ask You For a Favor?

Thank you again for listening to the show. If it has helped you in any way or you know another runner who could benefit from what we talked about today, we would really appreciate if you would share it using the social media buttons on the side of the page.

We would love if you could leave a review for the podcast on iTunes for us. It would really help us grow. Here is a YouTube video demonstration of exactly how. Thank you!

And lastly, if you have any questions you can email tina@runnersconnect.net or leave us a voice message at (617) 356-7969 or click the voice message button on the right side of the page.

Links and Resources mentioned in this Interview:

Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights?: Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise

Please consider giving us a review on iTunes by clicking THIS link. You can follow this YouTube Video of a Demonstration of How to Leave a Review. Thank you in advance 🙂

Get the Latest Updates & Special Perks

Ask your questions to our guests, give your input for what you want more of, and get special perks via email

You May Also Enjoy...

Podchaser - Run to the Top Podcast | The Ultimate Guide to Running