Today I am going to answer a question that was emailed to me by a college sprinter…
Question: “I am going to start doing the 100m sprint on my college athletics team, can creatine help me sprint faster?”
Answer: Creatine supplements can be used to increase explosive energy. Creatine is stored is muscles and can be converted into available fuel faster than any other energy source in the human body. Creatine can provide virtually instant energy, but it doesn’t last long. At most, even with creatine levels elevated from creatine supplements, creatine will only provide energy for about 10-20 seconds.
Creatine is ideal for sprinters, especially the 100m because it’s such a short race. Straight off the blocks, your body will immediately start using creatine for energy. The more creatine you have available in your muscle tissue the most energy can be released. This has a very obvious benefit to sprinters, instant and powerful energy straight off the mark.
Sprinters should take creatine just like bodybuilders. Load creatine for 5 days taking 20g per day, the drop back to a 5g per day maintenance dose. (also see how to take creatine article) Some coaches may advise sprinters to stop taking creatine 2-3 days before a major event. This is because creatine can cause the body to hold extra water. Water is weight and obviously for sprinting you want to be as light as possible.
Creatine is ideal for any sports that require explosive energy. These might include sprinting, football, baseball and sprint cycling.
If you have any questions about creatine and sprinting post below. Good luck in your next race!
