I have a baby in the house, and simply do not get the needed amount of sleep to train like I did before. I am about 15 lbs heavier than I prefer, and have pains after a few miles in side, hips, and sometime calves and legs. I am training to run a half marathon in July and a triathlon in August, and would like advice on any powders or supplements that might help with energy and endurance training and during the race.

Also, do you have any recommendations for medicines, salves, etc that I use on raceday or on my longer training runs to help with the various little pains. I have participated in many sports for over 35 years, so I know my body and when to shut it down, so I am just looking for a little something to get me over the hump when I am in midrace, and things are aching a little. Thanks very much for any help you might provide with both topics.

Anthony from Georgia

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Hi Anthony,

Thank you for emailing your question to TriathaNewbie.com!

Being professionals in fields other than healthcare, we can only attest to what we've experienced, so please check with your doctor before following any of our advice (our lawyers told us we have to say that).

When we started talking about the most effective sports creams and pain relief pills, we realized that we don't agree on which ones are the best. It seems that some work very well for some and not for others and we're honestly not sure why, so here are our top picks:

• Over the counter pain relief pills: Tylenol, Aleve and Advil
• Over the counter pain relief creams: Icy Hot, Bengay and Tiger Balm

Quick note: Beware of overdose. Using any of these too often or in conjunction with each other can be very dangerous.

Regarding training supplements, the general consensus here is that Running Goo is consistently effective in training and competing for beginner triathletes as well as seasoned triathletes. It is also easy to find. Calll down to your local GNC to see if they have any cool solutions.

Be well,
~Jack

TriathaNewbie.com Staff

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