This may be a placebo effect and usually I would go more into the physiology myself, but…here it is if anybody can help explain (or point out, as I suggested, that I’m imagining this). I lift and am also a competitive runner and biker. I’ve recently been taking a cocktail supplement pre-run or bike, and though I haven’t done a controlled study or anything, it includes the three tablet serving of ZMA that is usually taken before bed, and I’m kicking ass (and I’m already pretty good).
I think the ZMA may be the element that is giving me substantial endurance and performance improvements. Would there be any reason beyond the electrolyte effect that this might be the case? My reason for giving it a try in the first place (I’m always tinkering) was a loose idea that maybe the t stimulation, magnesium muscle effects, or even a preventative against zinc deterioration that occurs in athletes would cause something positive?
Or, hey, maybe I’m just in the groove and it’s really holding me back (after all, most take it before bed!). Any thoughts, particularly those with a little more sophistication than my seat of the pants explanation above, would be appreciated.
A little more background, in this so-called cocktail I usually take BCAA’s, carnitine, and maybe taurine before the training (6-10 mile runs or intervals, 10-50 mile bike rides typically). But these elements (taurine, etc.) were in there before ZMA and served their purpose I believe, but it wasn’t like this! Because of the endurance load, my diet is high protein and carbs, and I maintain a lean competitive mass without turning into one of those running freaks - I’d rather carry the weight. Just adding this so that anyone answering can assume that diet and other variables are “OK.”
Thanks!