Recently I tried Complete Runner’s Nutrition multivitamins for about a week. My first impression when I read the instructions was, “I’m supposed to take 1 pill, 3 times a day? That’s crazy for a vitamin.” But then I really read through what is in these pills… and it actually makes sense. In fact, I could probably reduce the overall amount of pills I pop if I replaced them with the Complete Runner’s Nutrition pills.
(The vitamins were sent to me for free for the purpose of review. All thoughts are my own.)
I take a lot of pills each day… Let’s break it down, shall we?
- Calcium – for strong bones
- Vitamin D – to help my body absorb calcium
- Grapeseed – to aid in bruise healing
- Biotin – to help my hair and nails grow
- Probiotic – to help my troubled gut
- Digestive Enzymes – to help my troubled gut
- Vitamin C – because my ophthalmologist said to after eye surgery
- Woman-specific multivitamin – to help fill in any holes in my diet
- Turmeric – anti-inflammatory
- Glucosamine, Chondroiton, MSM – to help my joints
- Fish oil – for Omega 3’s
I take these at different times throughout the day, so it doesn’t feel like a ton of drugs. But it does kind of add up when listed out.
Now let’s look at what is in the Complete Runner’s Nutrition: (I copied these directly from their site and they all link directly to the explanation of why that ingredient is beneficial.)
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B6
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Biotin
- Pantothenic Acid
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Chromium
- Potassium
- Chia Seed
- Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract
- Rhodiola Rosea Extract
- Co-Enzyme Q10
- American Ginseng Extract
- Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
- Glucosamine
- MSM
- Chondroitin Sulfate
- White Willow Bark Extract
- Bromelain
- Turmeric Rhizome Powder
- Quercetin Dihydrate
- Boswellia Serrata Extract
- Ginger Rhizome Powder
- Cordyceps Sinensis
- Lycopene
- Royal Jelly
Pretty much everything I take in a variety of pills is available in Complete Runner’s Nutrition, with the exception of my probiotic/digestive enzyme. Although, the Complete Runner’s Nutrition have a lot of items that are beneficial for digestive health (seeing as how a lot of runner’s have GI issues.)
The pills have a 3-prong approach as to why they are unique for runners:
- Nutrition: most Americans could probably benefit from a multivitamin, especially if they follow the SAD. But as runners, we tend to lose other nutrients and minerals through exercising that need to be replaced.
- Performance: a blend of herbs, vitamins, minerals, etc. that are used to help athletes maintain their energy levels, especially in light of the potential depletion we face from our fitness endeavors.
- Protection: several ingredients are included to help protect joints and reduce inflammation that builds from repeated stress to the body.
There are a lot more B vitamins in these than what I usually take, that’s to aid in the energy aspect to help improve your performance. It also aids in giving you neon yellow pee… at least, that’s something that I get from taking a lot of B vitamins!
Overall, I did feel a little more energized while taking these. Whether that was a placebo effect or not, I can’t say. It would probably be prudent to do a longer test to decide more definitively.
A 1-month supply of Complete Runner’s Nutrition is $34.95. But they also have a special delivery program where you get a 2-month supply every 2-months and that price is just $59.95. (prices as of publishing this in September 2011) I am very intrigued to try taking these for several months and eliminating most of my other supplements to see how it goes. If I do that, I will post a full report!
Jill Will Run 
I’m going to look into getting some of these vitamins… My body still aches after the 10k on Saturday! 😦
The 10K was a fairly tough course… but having the extra re-enforcement to make sure your body is replenished for endurance training could help too!
I saw you there but didn’t realize it was you until you had walked away & I saw the back of your shirt (Coach Jill). Maybe I will see you at the half & actually say hi 🙂
Aw… that’s too bad that we didn’t get to meet up there. Maybe we’ll have the chance to some time before the Vegas RnR. Perhaps you could join me on a run with @cragsdale and @vivarunvegas.
I would love to run with you sometime! I’m pretty slow, though so you will have to bear with me! 🙂
I’m pretty slow right now, since I’m nursing coming back from my stress fracture. You’ll probably kick my butt! 🙂
that’s a lot of vitamins crammed into one little ‘pill’! (i know, i know, it’s not a pill)
They’re all ‘pills’ to me!
I am sure that those vitamins are good for you but just remember that the company that is selling them makes more money if you buy more. What that means is their “suggested” dosage is really on the low end of the maximum amount anyone should take. Basically they want you to take as much as possible without hurting yourself. That way they make more money. I suggest trying half the dosage. I bet you won’t notice a difference which means that you are no longer taken the “luxury” level dosage and saving some money!
Have you ever heard of a “luxury” level dosage?
James
http://www.you-cant-fake-a-marathon.com/blogathon/
I have not heard of luxury-level dosing… that’s an interesting term. Thanks for the feedback.
Hi James,
Although some companies do partake in this practice, we certainly do not. Considering the extensive list of ingredients for runner’s included in RDC, we had to really drill down to the amounts that are most important for runners. Try it for yourself… After taking it for a couple weeks, you’ll feel a significant difference between taking 1 1/2 tablets daily and taking 3 tablets daily. Feel free to email us if you’d like some free samples.
Best,
Tim
Runner’s Daily Complete
Customer Support
Tim, Thank you so much for weighing in on this! I really appreciate your feedback!
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If you are prone to joint issues, arthritis and such, a supplement with shellfish content is not for you.
It seems to me that warning would be more for someone with shellfish allergies, not just general population.
I found this article about inflammation being worsened by shellfish products when consumed by people with seafood allergies.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/371129-seafood-allergies-joint-pain/
There are also articles/studies about it being good for joints.
Everybody is different and reacts to things in different ways.
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