The Athlete’s Body as Chemistry Experiment

I wrote this article for Geezerjock magazine in the summer of 2005. I have permission from Geezerjock’s editor to reproduce and distribute this. To view the original article, click here.

Curtently, GeezerJock is the only magazine dedicated to giving Masters athletes the media coverage they deserve.

Masters are athletes over 35 years old, though 30+ is also considered in other sports such as swimming. The term Veterans has been used in the past, and Senior (for example, the Senior Games) is considered over 50 years old, not 65.

My wife thought I was crazy. I looked forward to turning 40!

Motive? To be a Masters athlete! I’ve been a sprinter since age 9 and in my college years, I set times of 10.92 (100m), 21.98 (200m) and 48.36 (400m). Could I beat my own college times as a “geezer”?

As a 42-year old athlete, my biggest challenge is workout recovery. I rely on nutrition and supplements to do so. Fortunately, I hold expertise in this field. With a degree in Physiology and Biochemistry, I worked as DNA Forensic Technologist at Canada’s National Police Force. I network with athletes, sport therapists and authorities being a Coach-Athlete Consultant and Official for video, photo finish and timing systems, so I pick up latest nutritional news and resources. Then I do research.

My post-workout shake is my core supplement. It fuels my muscles right after the workout, energizing me until dinner. I’ve tested various protein shakes and bars, and created my own mixes with protein from Protein Factory. As absorption rates vary, I tested various combinations of whey, whey isolates, casein, and egg proteins. I enhanced my inexpensive protein shakes with Glutamine and Creatine, and kept on researching for the best shake in the market.

Then I tried Proglycosyn from SNAC Systems. It’s the most complete ready-made product that satisfies many aspects I researched over the years. First, it contains whey protein isolates, which has a higher protein per serving ratio than ordinary whey.

Second, it has a 1:1 Protein to Carbohydrate ratio. My body needs carbs to fuel its muscles and protein to repair muscle tissue. Besides, Carbs triggers an insulin response to help in the uptake of amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

Third, Proglycosyn contains Glutamine. This essential amino acid contributes to protein synthesis, enhances muscle growth, and prevents muscle tissue breakdown. After training, glutamine concentrations fall markedly and remain low until complete recovery. This fall in glutamine causes muscle tissue to break down and the Glutamine supplement resolves this.

Fourth, it contains Creatine for extra short-term energy. This natural by-product of the body helps recycle the muscle’s ultimate energy source, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the molecule that releases the energy for contraction of muscles. If Creatine and Glutamine are supplemented together, then Glutamine can pick up where Creatine “leaves off” signaling the growth and repair process.

Not only the most complete product, Proglycosyn tastes great and is portable. I keep a single serving of powder in my workout bag to mix it with water after my workout. (Tip: Don’t premix to avoid protein breakdown.)

Cons or Red Flags? I find $2.30/serving pricey. Proglycosyn has no known side-effects, and while its maker, SNAC, is a subsidiary of BALCO, it is legal to use.

In summary, I feel this is an outstanding product. So, as far as supplements go, I’m ready to make that great Masters comeback. Now, I have to get back to training so off I go.