Zack’s Guide to Hammer Nutrition

Frequently I hear a lot about proper hydration on race day, soreness after the race, or even feeling fatigued on race day.  I thought it would be easier to explain what I’ve found works well for me.  We all hear and are bombarded with the new products out there that are supposed to make you stronger, better, and faster, but I can say I’ve had the best experience with Hammer Nutrition products.  I used to struggle with fatigue, headaches, sluggishness, arm pump, and various things that slowed me down on race day and during the week.  Hammer Nutrition has alleviated a lot of this.  Below I’ve listed some of their products I use along with how they’ve helped me.

Hammer Gel:

I’ve tried Clif Shots, Gatorade gels, and a few other energy bars, but Hammer Gel is by far my favorite Hammer Product.  It comes in a small packet for a fanny pouch or a five serving flask that can be filled with their large 26 serving container.  It provides the right amount of energy after a section or mid-race.  If you watch closely in the GNCC videos, you will often see riders take a hammer gel during their pit stop.  I use the flask with the vanilla flavor which is easy on my stomach.  I take one serving after each section in order to stay energized.

HEED:

HEED was the third Hammer product I’ve tried and I’ve used it ever since.  Prior to Heed, I used water, Gatorade, or Powerade but often lacked energy with it.   Now that I know Powerade and Gatorade are mostly sugar and water, I tried HEED.  At each race, I will mix two scoops of HEED with two water bottles and half to a full container of powerade.  The main reason I still use Powerade is for flavor as my stomach is so used to the blue flavor.  HEED has eliminated my arm pump and more efficiently kept me hydrated.

Recoverite:

I often refer to Recoverite as the “magic” solution.  It is pretty much whey mixed with complex carbs and put into a simple packet.  I often mix it with one water bottle to dilute the flavor.  Recoverite should be taken immediately after exercise or within 30 minutes for best use.  It has cured any soreness after race day and brought my energy back a lot faster.  I usually take the vanilla flavor as it is easiest on my stomach.

Fizz:

Fizz was something that I just threw into a water bottle one day to try.  It is purely electrolytes with about ten calories in each tablet.  I throw one tablet into my camelback or one into a water bottle.  It has a light flavor (I prefer grape) and gives a carbonated taste.  I can’t say I’ve noticed a huge difference with Fizz but I haven’t had any problems with it either.  The grape or grapefruit flavors are my favorite.

To get 15% off an order of Hammer Nutrition, use the code: 214793, my name and my email: ktmracing323@yahoo.com.  Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Foggy Mountain National Enduro

Race: ECEA Round 9: Foggy Mountain National Enduro

Bike: 09 KTM 200

Result: 1^st  A-200, 40^th Overall

Sponsors: I would like to thank Stickman Graphx, Unabiker.com, EKS Brand Goggles, Kriega USA, Rekluse, All Balls Racing, EBC Brakes, Fly Racing, Mika Metals, DT-1 Filters, Works Enduro Rider, FMF Racing, Vertex Pistons, Powerseal USA, Matto Cycle, Clockwork KTM, Torc 1 Racing, Motorex, G2 Ergonomics, my family, Erin Fisher, and my Dad.

Photo by Erin Fisher

Report:

            The past few weeks of racing have been awesome for me as I’ve accomplished a few things that I’ve always dreamed of.  A few years ago, I never expected to do well in racing whether it be at the A, B, or C level.  But the past year, I’ve stepped it up and continued to improve slowly.  I’ve always been a consistent rider, but this year has been great.  Two weeks ago, I won my first Overall A at the HMDR Enduro and took a season best of 9^th overall.  This weekend, I checked off another milestone.

            On Friday, we headed to Foggy Mountain which is one of my favorite tracks on the ECEA circuit.  It is usually rocky, but the trail flows really well.  It can be technical in spots but it is a blast overall.  I mounted up a Vee Rubber trials tire along with a M59 as I expected the track to be rocky and hardpack. On Saturday, I had the chance to walk the track with some fast AA and Pro riders which was a good learning experience.  We walked the start of five out of six tests.

            Sunday morning, I was excited to race, but nervous as I wasn’t sure where my current speed would place me in the overall.  At the NEPGs earlier in the year, my best finish was 70^th overall.  I had a lot to prove in the rocks, and I wanted to be in the top 40 at the end of the day.  The first two sections of the day went great as I rode awesome.  I avoided arm pump by using HEED in my Kriega hydration system.  The 3^rd section ruined my overall for the day as I missed a turn and got stuck in a ravine.  Now that I look back on it, I could have saved myself a lot of time in there but I wasted time turning around (too many logs in the ravine).  I was able to regroup myself for the last 3 tests where I landed in 33^rd, 33^rd, and 38^th overall.  I still made some small mistakes but I felt great with my riding and fitness.  After 6 sections, I was able to win the A-200 class and place 40^th overall.  This was also my first ever National win which is something I’ve wanted to do for years.  I’d like to thank everyone for their continued support!