Electrolyte tablets

[Deejay]

I know that some people take these in long distance events such as ironman. Anyone have any experience or reccomend a specific brand? I heard that the Succeed ones might be good, but i'd like to get some more feedback before I go out and buy them.

[mike101]

I use hammer enduralytes. I must say that I have never used anything else so I cant compare them to another brand. They contain 100mg sodium, 50mg calcium, 25mg magnesium, 25mg potassium, 6.6mg vitamin b-6 and 1.6mg manganese.

Do they work? well I havent had any cramping problems while taking them. That includes 2 marys, 1 half IM, 2 100 mile cycle events and countless training hours getting to each competition. Before taking them I was rather consistently seeing my performance drop off at the 2 hour mark and cramping would develop often. I am also a very heavy, salty sweater. I was the type that would be pasted with white salt residue on the entire face when I finished. That problem has disappeared.

I guess I would suggest looking for samples at some of the upcoming races. If you train with a group there might be someone that may give a sample. Otherwise you'll need to spend the $15 and try one. With any luck you'll get lucky and find something that works well for you the first time, like me.

[cedriclburden]

I have used Hammer Endrolytes. I got my 1st dose at a tri with free samples. I have used them during temperature runs (runs in the middle of the day), and a couple of tri's. Even in 90+ degree weather I didn't cramp, I'm not saying it is totally credited to Endrolytes but if I wouldn't have took them I might have. They have another brand on the market called Lava Salts, haven't took them but they might work the same. Hope this helps.

[mike101]

Lava salts has a rather significant different chemical make up than Hammer Enduralytes. I'm not saying anything negative about them but I wouldnt put them into the same family. Here are the chemicals found in Lava Salts: Sodium Chloride 255 mg, Sodium Bicarbonate 80 mg, Sodium Citrate 75 mg, Sodium Phosphate 50 mg, Potassium Chloride 30 mg, maltodextrin 170 mg and Magnesium Stearate 10 mg. Thats a whole lotta salt!

If you try one and it doesnt work well for you make sure you try another before abandoning them.

[trainDaBrain]

Terry Schneider (adventure racer, ultra marathoner, former pro-triathlete) says the succeed tablets work well, she isn't sponsored by them BTW. Said that she was running with a guy that was "going down", during a 50 mile run, and he just kept getting slower and slower, and was complaining of feeling really weak. She runs with a little first-aid kit, and had the succeed with her. Gave him some, and within minutes, he was a different person, back to normal.
I haven't used them yet, but plan on carrying them on the next long distance race I do. Gotta keep those salts in your system.