Energy Products: FRS Vs 5 Hour Energy

Triathlon Forum
1

Here are my impressions:

The first product I tried was the 5 hour Energy http://www.5hourenergy.com This product is a concentrated energy shot that promises an
extended energy boost (about 5 hours) and no crash effects. This is how I tried it. Right before my Saturday long run (15 miles) I decided to take
a shot ($2.99 a bottle at 7 Eleven) Maybe 10 minutes after taking the shot I felt a burning sensation on my face, I first thought that it may have
been the heat as it was a very humid day in the 90’s. So I kept going. Twenty minutes or so into my run my heart rate went to the roof… I didn’t
have my heart rate monitor to find out the exact numbers but I pretty much know my body and it must have been pretty high (over 170). So I took a
walk break to slow down a little bit. After a minute and a half I resume my running and the pattern repeated. So for the next hour I was taking walk
breaks every 10 minutes. By mile 8, I was starting to regain my usual pace and heart rate so I was only taking walk breaks every 3-4 miles or so
which is normal for me during a hot day. By the end of the run I was feeling energized and I could have done another 5 miles have I wanted… At
least I was feeling that way. I had to admit that I didn’t have a crash during the whole day and that I slept very well that night. However, still
feel that I would need to give this product another try on a milder day because I believe that the heat could have been the one to blame that day.

The next product that I tested was FRS Healthy Energy http://www.frs.com/. This product is sponsored by Lance Armstrong. Knowing how careful
Lance is about his reputation you wouldn’t think that he would endorse a product if it wasn’t at least half way decent.

The product’s main ingredient is Quercitin. Quercetin is a potent antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables and FRS claims that it would help extend
your body’s natural energy, fight fatigue and improve your concentration. It is also loaded with vitamins and the amount of caffeine you would get
from 1/3 a cup of coffee.

I tested it the same way I tested the 5 Hour Energy except that this time I started my long run (12 mi) very early in the morning (5:00a) and the temperature
was way more comfortable (77 degrees). Also, I need to mention that this was the earliest run that i have ever done (I usually start my weekend runs after 8:00a).
So what was my impression? I felt awake… I felt like I was enjoying my run… I definitely felt like I didn’t need to take any walk breaks… my heart rate was within
the expected zone and I didn’t feel any burning sensation on my face. Obviously a few factors may have help. For example the more comfortable temperature,
the running in the dark factor (it added some mysticism to the run) and the fact that I read a lot of information about the FRS product (the more you read
the more know about something the more you believe in it… So there might have been a little bit of a placebo effect going on here. However placebo effect
or not this was one of the best runs I had this year.

For know it seems that FRS is the best choice but it is too expensive.

Has anybody tried this products or know of something better?

2

I’ve tried snake oil with similar results.

jaretj

3

I’d be wanted to have blood work done to determine if there were any detrimental effects to kidneys, liver, etc.

I don’t trust anything.

4

i have tried the 5 hour energy shots with VERY good results… in the beginning.
They don’t seem to be working as well nowadays but I may be more fatigued than previous as well. But i am still using them and liking them.

5

I’ve never tried 5hr Energy.

As for FRS…I sometimes have one at work to keep me awake/working. I like it.

Tastes good (just don’t brush your teeth before drinking it :slight_smile:

Not too much caffeine, the low cal ones don’t have too too much sugar.

Downside is price though.

caffeine > snake oil :stuck_out_tongue:

Thanks for the review!

6

I second that. That 5 Hour Energy stuff reminds me of the little black capsules (“black beauties”) some of us would take prior to going out on a long patrol, back in my military days. Nothing but a legal form of amphetamine, if you ask me. They sell those 5 Hour Energy bottles in the employee vending machines here at the airport. Yup…that’s what I want: one of our pilots flying passengers around juiced up on that liquid.

BK

7

I thought you were joking about the snake oil… But it seems to be good for a few things specially for joints.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_oil

8

Touche

I was referring to the common usage wikipedia describes.

I feel 5 hour energy is a total rip off but if it works for you keep using it. Any product that claims to give you energy without calories isn’t telling you everything about their product.

To use it in training as a source of energy will leave you without energy when your glycogen stores are depleted. Some are fortunate that they store a lot and use a small amount. The result of depletion will be a rather heavy bonk which could put your training on hold for a while you recover.

jaretj

9

When I see their commercials on TV I wonder how in the world do these companies actually stay in business. After reading a smidgen of this thread I understand why…

10

Jaret…they aren’t saying to use it and you won’t need anything else. It’s a supplement, just like a gel or Gatorade.
I have heard theories behind the science. But even if it is all mental, it seems to do “something”. :slight_smile: