A couple weeks ago I received several samples of a recovery drink mix from Fluid. I have to say that after doing a little research about the product on their website before even trying it I was pretty impressed and eager to see how the drink would work for me. Here's what intrigued me:
- Gluten-free complex carbs and all-natural sugar (maltodextrin, fructose)
- Lactose-free whey protein isolate
- 2,500 mg L-glutamine
- Only 128 calories per serving
I spent most of 2008 and 2009 using Endurox R4. I felt this product worked fine but I didn't like the following: 270 calories per serving, dextrose as main sugar, not gluten-free, only 420 mg L-glutamine (I ended up adding a scoop of L-glutamine to the drink) and contains a lot of chemicals I can't pronounce.
Later in 2009 I tried Hammer's Recoverite a few times. As with Endurox, Recoverite is a popular product among triathletes and Hammer also seems to be leading the way in research on endurance sports nutrition. Again, I felt Recoverite worked fine but I wasn't really keen to the taste (citrus), consistency (a little chalky) and the cost.
So, a few days after receiving the Fluid samples I had the perfect opportunity to put it to the test: the Endurance Nation President's Day Weekend bike challenge (3 consecutive days of long, hard trainer rides very early in the morning – see my previous blog post). For the rides I had planned, recovery was crucial to staying healthy, injury-free and strong for each session.
After the first day (2 hours of solid riding with ~40’ at or above FTP), I tried the Berry Treasure flavor within 30' of finishing the ride. I was cooked from the ride and definitely felt depleted after getting off the bike. I quickly emptied the packet into about 10 oz of water (no additional L-glutamine was added). I was really impressed how quickly the mix dissolved after only a few seconds of stirring (and no clumping, too). The taste was pleasant, although I later found that I liked the flavor better with only 8 oz of water.
The real test of the product was the next morning when I did another 2 hour ride, even more intense than the day before. I was amazed how strong my legs felt - little to no fatigue or soreness. I had a great ride and consumed another packet of Fluid within 30' after the ride. This time it was the Tropical Escape flavor. I used a little less water than the day before (8 oz). I didn't like this flavor as much as the Berry Treasure, but it was easily tolerable. Honestly, I can stomach anything right after a workout, though.
I arrived to the trainer the next morning - this time for a 1 hour session with 2 x 20' intervals at FTP. I was a little worried about having nothing in my legs, especially late in these long intervals. But I surprised myself by lifting my power higher as the intervals went on - little to no fatigue or soreness.
In conclusion, I was very impressed with Fluid. I love the all-natural, pure ingredients of the product and the fact that it just plain works! I can't say for sure that the lack of leg fatigue and soreness was solely because of Fluid or other recovery techniques I used (ice baths, compression tights, good sleep) or the combination, but it certainly didn't do me any harm. I'll continue to use Fluid and am especially looking forward to putting it to the test once the long, tough Ironman training sessions start in a couple months. My only complaint is the lack of flavors – I’d like to see a couple more added in the future just to have some variety.
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