You can't beat the freedom and escape of lacing up your trainers and getting into your running rhythm. But it doesn't matter if you're an endurance trail runner or a treadmill sprinter, you'll need to keep your nutrition on point. Check out HERMOSA's guide to the best protein powder for runners, which are guaranteed to keep you refuelled and ready to hit the ground running.
If you’re looking for the best protein supplement for runners, you’re in luck. HERMOSA’s delicious, super smooth, sustainably sourced whey and vegan proteins deliver unbeatable performance and flavour in every single scoop. And we were voted as overall winner of best whey protein powder in Runner’s World Sports Nutrition Awards 2022! So no matter whether you’re searching for the best protein powder for marathon runners or simply want to shake up the best protein drinks for runners with impeccable taste, HERMOSA is made to please!
What Does Protein Do For Runners?
Is protein powder good for runners? Well, protein is an essential macronutrient for all athletes, but it's especially important for runners. That's because it helps to repair and rebuild muscle tissue after a long run or hard workout. Not only that, but protein for runners also provides the body with the building blocks it needs to create new mitochondria (the powerhouses of your cells).
In other words, protein is essential for runners who want to improve their performance and recovery.
How much Protein For Runners?
There are plenty of different opinions on how much protein we need each day. The general consensus is that most people need 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight (0.36 grams per pound) to function properly. So, if you weigh 68 kilograms (150 pounds), you would need 54 grams of protein per day. But the recommended protein intake for runners is slightly different because you’ll need more protein to support your training, recovery, and performance.
In fact, some studies have shown that runners need as much as 2.6 to 3 grams per kilogram of body weight (1.2 to 1.4 grams of protein per pound). So, if you weigh 68 kilograms (150 pounds), you’ll need as much as 210 grams of protein per day. Protein powder is a super helpful supplement for runners. Not only does it provide a concentrated source of high-quality protein in every scoop, but it's also easy to digest and absorb.
When Should Runners Take Protein?
Protein powder is a convenient and easy way to boost your protein intake, as part of a healthy and well-balanced diet. But when is the best time to take it – before or after a run? Most experts recommend taking protein powder within 30 minutes of a run or workout. That's when your muscles are most receptive to repair and recovery. Some runners also take protein powder before their run to increase energy levels and improve performance.
Of course, protein powder isn’t a substitute for a proper pre-run meal or snack. If you're taking protein powder before your run, make sure you eat something else to go with it, like a banana or small bowl of porridge. It’s also important to get enough protein from other sources, like lean meats, tofu, eggs or beans. Including enough protein-rich foods in your diet means your muscles are getting the nutrients they need to recover and repair.
Is Whey Protein Good For Runners?
Whey protein is a great option for runners because it's easily digested and absorbed. Whey protein is also a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs, including Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine and valine. BCAAs contribute up to 10% of energy during aerobic activities like running, prevent muscle breakdown, and are used for fuel when your glycogen stores run low.
HERMOSA's criminally smooth, easy-to-mix, organic whey protein powder is made using the finest, ethically sourced protein concentrate. Boasting all nine essential amino acids and sustainably sourced from grass-fed cows that roam the Lake District, every scoop of HERMOSA whey protein packs 20g of high-quality protein. It also just happens to be The Telegraph's 'Best Tasting Protein Powder' for 2022. All of which makes this a seriously delicious and effective protein powder for runners, which you can rely on to fuel all your running adventures.
Is Plant Protein Good For Runners?
Vegan protein powder is perfect for runners who are looking for a plant-based alternative to whey. It’s especially useful if you have an intolerance to dairy or prefer to live a dairy-free lifestyle. Plant-based protein powders are usually made from a combination of protein sources, like pea and hemp, to get the complete spectrum of essential amino acids. So you still get all the benefits you’d expect of a quality protein powder, just in a lactose-free powder that makes great-tasting, easy-mixing protein shakes for runners.
We’ve got the best vegan protein powder for runners at HERMOSA. Our Chocolate and Vanilla flavoured plant protein powders are guaranteed to give every runner’s tastebuds a workout, either pre-workout, post-workout or out on the roads and trails. Expect nothing less than 20g of non-GMO, plant-based protein that’s lactose-free, gluten-free and every bit as flavoursome as our whey protein. HERMOSA vegan protein is hands down the best protein powder for plant-based runners, dairy intolerant runners or anyone looking for a whey alternative.
HERMOSA For Runners
We love to hit the roads and trails here at HERMOSA. If you share our love of running, you’re probably here because you want to max out your enjoyment. Whether you want to run further, faster or more frequently (or all three!), it pays to have a solid nutrition routine in place. Getting enough protein onboard before and definitely after each run is the sure-fire way to stay energised and give your body the fuel it needs to recover and repair.
That’s where HERMOSA comes in. Think of us as your ultimate running buddy. Voted Runner’s World overall winner in their Sport’s Nutrition Awards 2022. With our whey and vegan protein powders to support your post-run recovery, you can get back out there and chase those endorphins sooner! Plus, because we only use the finest whey from grass-fed cows and GMO-free plant-based proteins, which are sweetened using all-natural stevia instead of artificial sweeteners, our protein for runners tastes so good you’ve got all the motivation you need to run hard for home.
Shop the best protein for runners at HERMOSA today.