Grant Fisher and the Rise of Bicarbonate in Running
When Grant Fisher stepped off the track at Boston University on February 14, he had just shattered the world record for the indoor 5,000 meters. While his impressive shape and recent successes, including a world record in the 3,000 meters just six days earlier, were significant factors, Fisher pointed to a surprisingly simple contributor: baking soda. Known scientifically as sodium bicarbonate, or "bicarb," this household ingredient has become a game-changer in professional running, with many athletes swearing by its ability to shave off precious seconds. Fisher, who won two silver medals at the Paris Olympics, credited bicarb for potentially offering even a 0.1% edge—an advantage that could mean the difference between gold and silver in elite competitions.
The Science Behind Bicarbonate
The use of bicarb in sports is not new, but its resurgence in popularity is tied to its ability to counteract the buildup of hydrogen ions in the muscles during intense exercise. These ions cause acidity, leading to fatigue and the familiar "burning" sensation in muscles during hard efforts. Sodium bicarbonate acts as a buffer, neutralizing this acidity and delaying the onset of exhaustion. While the benefits of bicarb have been known for decades, its adoption was previously limited by the gastrointestinal distress it often caused, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, advancements in delivery methods, such as Maurten’s hydrogel tablets, have made bicarb more palatable and effective, reducing side effects and allowing athletes to reap its benefits without discomfort.
Bicarbonate’s Growing Adoption
Maurten, a Swedish company, has been at the forefront of this movement. Its product encases bicarbonate in a hydrogel that guides the tablets through the stomach and into the intestine, where they are absorbed more efficiently. This innovation has made bicarb more accessible and less disruptive, leading to widespread adoption among professional runners. At the 2023 World Championships and the Paris Olympics, two-thirds of medalists in events from 800 to 10,000 meters were using Maurten’s bicarbonate system. Elite athletes like Olympic marathon record-holder Eliud Kipchoge and 800-meter Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson have endorsed the product, further boosting its credibility.
Beyond Bicarb: The Broader Context of Record-Breaking
The recent explosion of world records in running—seven were broken in just eight days in February—can be attributed to a combination of factors. High-tech advancements in shoes, tracks, and recovery methods have all played a role. The indoor track at Boston University, where Fisher set his record, is a prime example of how modern technology is fueling faster times. Its wide, banked turns and energy-returning surface are designed to maximize speed. Additionally, the "shoe war" in the industry has led to the development of lightweight, carbon-plated footwear that returns energy with every stride. These innovations, coupled with better coaching and access to training resources, have created a "golden era" for track and field.
The Mental Edge of Bicarb
While bicarb’s physical benefits are well-documented, its psychological impact should not be underestimated. Many athletes believe that even a small perceived advantage can make a significant difference in performance. Marco Arop, the 2023 world champion at 800 meters, turned to bicarb before the Paris Olympics, convinced that it gave him an edge. His coach, Chris Woods, noted that while there may be a mental component to its use, the physical benefits are real. Arop’s success, along with that of other athletes, has convinced many runners to embrace bicarb as a legal and effective performance enhancer.
The Future of Running: Faster Times and New frontiers
The use of bicarb is just one part of a larger shift in track and field, where athletes are pushing the boundaries of what was once thought possible. Coaches like Chris Woods believe that records once considered unbreakable—such as the women’s mile record of 4:07—could soon fall. The combination of besser technology, smarter training methods, and supplements like bicarb has created a culture of optimism and innovation in the sport. As athletes continue to experiment with new tools and strategies, the possibilities for even faster times seem limitless. In this new era of running, even the humblest of household items—like baking soda—can play a starring role in rewriting the record books.
