Congratulations to Louise S. of Shreveport, LA for winning our Write a Review,Get Some Relief sweepstakes. A two month supply of Recover-Ease by Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition and courtesy of ProLine Sports Nutrition. Thanks to everyone that participated.

The next quantum leap in endurance supplements,

or the ingredient to turn your legs into jackhammers

I had just finished a ride faster on one of my regular training runs that was nearly 2 mph and I had the feeling like I could still go longer. It was my first ride after taking the new OptygenHP prototype from the supplement wizards at 1^st Endurance. I had noticed changes during the ride, but my ritual is not to look at the averages or final numbers until I'm done, so I was stunned to see the final numbers.

I stepped off the bike in front of my house, wiped some sweat off my hands and pulled out my cell phone to text a friend of mine about my ride, "Just finished my first ride after taking the new Optygen prototype-HOLY %#*@ this stuff is amazing!!!" It's not every cycling freak who has a PhD. in Nutrition as one of his riding buddies, but I do.

The text I got back was typical deadpan from Dr. Don, "Dude, I'm a PhD. scientist, I need a bit more than your freaking legs were like jackhammers or some such." So that's where I'll start my more detailed break down of the new Optygen HP prototype. You've gotten my initial emotional response.

The bottle of the prototype doesn't waste words, "This new OptygenHP prototype formula contains the most potent Rhodiol.The other ingredients in this prototype formulation are the same as the original." There's only one change in the formula? Yes but it's huge.

The detailed product information from the 1^st Endurance website states, "Clinical studies on elite endurance athletes have shown that it is the rosavins in Rhodiola that play a critical role in allowing the body to adapt to high levels of physical stress."

I've been a huge fan of the original OptygenHP, and this version increases the dosage one of the key ingredients. Rest assured, you can tell the difference and you feel the change in performance faster than starting on the current OptygenHP, and yes you can put more of a load on your body in terms of effort.

Details I noticed after several rides after starting on the prototype:

• I feel significantly less muscle fatigue during and after rides. The sensation I feel is a buzzy feeling in my legs because they seem to be working more efficiently and recovering faster.

• I have come off rides feeling like I could continue going even though it wasn't part of my training plan or I didn't have time.

• Because I feel more efficient, energized and dramatically more comfortable, I've been focusing on other things like better breathing techniques and more efficient pedal strokes.

• It's easier to recover in the saddle and it happens quicker. The easiest way I measured this fact was what happens at stop lights when I'm forced to stop. My heart rate drops from the mid 160's to the mid-to-low 130's within the time of an average stop light. My heart rate also seems to stop going up at just below where I know my LT is. I know because I've had it tested. This allows me to push harder on sprints or climbs if I want and recover quicker after that effort.

• My overall performance has improved because I can ride harder when I want to push it. There are a few training routes I ride based on my plan and how much time I have to train. I know the streets and how I ride them like the back of my hand, so 1.25-2.0 mph improvements are huge. Just imagine what that would translate into over a 40K time trial, or a 112 mile Ironman bike leg.

The last fact is the one I think is most important to the non-professional endurance athletes. All of us know that there are equipment changes or clothing changes that make a difference in seconds to the pros. Great them, but what difference does that make on your next triathlon race or my next bike race? Zero and those investments in improved performance usually come with huge price tags.

My point is the new OptygenHP prototype is a supplement that can potentially shave minutes off your results and I've done the math as they say. In my last competitive race, a flat course 40K time trial, a 2.0 mph improvement over my original result would have put me 13 places higher in my group of 64.

This new prototype demonstrates one of the things I love about 1^st Endurance, which is their commitment to constantly make the great products they have even better. It would be easier for them to milk their cash cows, but instead they make their company, their products and in fact those of us who use their products much better with their improvements. I don't know what this formulation will cost when it's delivered, but I can assure you it's not going to matter to me.

About Us: Founded by a body of athletes with National, International and Olympic level backgrounds we strive to provide the best possible, most informative information and reviews on cutting edge endurance and sports supplements for Elite, PRO and Amateur athletes.

First Endurance uses viral marketing to release sketchy details about their new prototype Optygen HP.

http://jayprasuhn.blogspot.com/2009/03/tested-new-first-endurance-optygen.html

Take 10% off all regular prices First Endurance EFS products now through March 31st 2009. Enter promo code EFS10 during checkout. Valid on First Endurance EFS Liquid Shot, EFS Liquid Shot 32oz Refills, EFS Bar and EFS Sports Drink

Discount not combinable with any other offer.

Offer code valid only at www.ProLineSportsNutrition.com

Stubborn Odors

Most liquid detergents do not target embedded odors and even after gym clothes are washed, these odors stay entrenched in the fibers. After a few workouts, even the best high tech fabrics typically develop a musty odor. This is caused by bacteria attracted to sweat soaked fabric. 

Super Oxygenated Formula  

Using a unique technology, Win Detergent's scientifically designed super oxygenated system directly targets offensive odors and stains. This powerful oxy cleaning technology eliminates the embedded sweat molecules and odors that overwhelm the fabric. Simultaneously, these same ingredients also react with soil and organic materials causing them to either decolorize or disintegrate. Once in a soluble form after oxidization, dirt and odors easily wash away.

Unmatched performance and efficacy

Two sets of independent laboratory tests show that Win Detergent outperforms the leading detergents and specialty products on removing sweat and odors from all fabrics. Win is formulated to be safe and gentle for all colors and fabrics and works for traditional and high efficiency machine or hand washing.

AstaREAL AstaxanthinAstavita Astaxanthin owes it's superior antioxidant power to our high-performance ingredient, AstaREAL.

What is Astavita Astaxanthin?
Astavita's astaxanthin is harvested from the best source of astaxanthin in the world: the deep red microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. Astaxanthin is an example of evolution at work. Normally, the microalgae that swim about freely in pools of water are green. However, when the water pools dry out and the algae are exposed to intense sunlight, they begin producing large quantities of bright red astaxanthin. Why? Because astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that protects the algae from UV radiation, allowing them to survive - even in the harshest of conditions.

AstaREAL: The Superior Astaxanthin
AstaREAL Astaxanthin is harvested from Haematococcus pluvialis, which contains the highest concentrations of astaxanthin in the world.

Ultra-Pure AstaREAL
Our patented, enclosed BioDome system in Maui, Hawaii and our photobioreactors in Gustavsberg, Sweden protects algae from environmental pollutants, assuring absolute purity.

FAQ 1. What is an antioxidant?
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radical molecules. Why are free radicals so bad? Think of them like vampires, but instead of blood, they need electrons to survive. One free radical will take an electron from a healthy molecule, which then turns it into a free radical. Then that free radical takes an electron from another healthy molecule. A chain reaction occurs that can harm many molecules in the blink of an eye.

Scientists widely regard free radicals as the main cause of aging.

2. What creates free radicals?
Free radicals are produced by the body as a normal part of breathing, and are therefore created at a greater rate during exercise. However, certain environmental triggers create an increase in free radical production, such as pollution, stress, hydrogenated oils, and radiation from sunlight or x-rays.

3. Where does Astaxanthin come from?
Astaxanthin can be found all over the world, from African lakes to Arctic snowfields, giving a bright red hue to a number of algae species.

4. How does it compare to other antioxidants?
All antioxidants have the same action - neutralizing harmful free radical molecules - but their potency varies tremendously. Tipping the antioxidant scales, astaxanthin is:

? 550 times stronger than vitamin E
? 40 times stronger than beta-carotene
? 17 times stronger than grape seed extract

5. Why is it so much more effective?
Astaxanthin's potency has to do with its chemical structure. Picture a cell membrane like an oreo cookie. It has two lipid layers (the cookie layers) separated by a center (the cream). Popular antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C reside horizontally - either outside the first cookie layer or inside the cream.

In that way, they provide limited protection to the cell. But because of astaxanthin's unique structure, it orients itself vertically through all three layers, giving the cell better protection inside and out.

6. Where is it active?
Most antioxidants are tissue-specific. That means they tend to concentrate in one or two places in the body, and that's where they provide their antioxidant protection. Other carotenoids, for example, tend to favor specific organs such as the retina of the eyes or the prostate. Astaxanthin is special because it is active in many parts of the body, so it provides a more complete shield of antioxidant armor.

7. Is it safe?
Astaxanthin has been found to be very safe. However, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please contact your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement. This product is not intended for use by children.

8. Is there any research supporting astaxanthin?
A number of scientific studies have been conducted on astaxanthin in vivo, in vitro, and in humans. They have found that astaxanthin:

?	Is 10 times more effective than other carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lutein. Miki, W. Biological functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure and Appl. Chem. 63;141-146 (1991)
?	Is 550 times more effective than vitamin E. Shimizu, N. et al. Carotenoids as single oxygen quenchers in marine organisms. Fisheries Science. 62;134-137 (1996).
?	Supports visual acuity and relieves eye fatigue.* Nagaki, Y. et al. Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusion and pattern evolved potential in visual display terminal workers. Journal of Traditional Medicines. 19(5);170-173 (2002). Sawaki, K. el al. Sports performance benefits from taking natural astaxanthin characterized by visual acuity and muscle fatigue improvements in humans. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines. 18(9);73-88 (2002).
?	Protects against exercise-induced free radical production. Aoi, W. et al. Astaxanthin limits exercise-induced skeletal and cardiac muscle damage in mice. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 5(1);139-144 (2003).
?	Protects against photo-aging.* Arakane, K. Superior skin protection via astaxanthin. Carotenoid Science. Vol. 5 April (2002).
?	Supports even skin tone.* Yamashita, E. Suppression of post-UVB hyperpigmentation by topical astaxanthin. Fragrance Journal. 14;180-185 (1995).
?	Reduces wrinkles and improves skin's elasticity.* Yamashita, E. Suppression of post-UVB hyperpigmentation by topical astaxanthin. Fragrance Journal. 14;180-185 (1995). Yamashita, E. Cosmetic benefit of dietary supplements containing astaxanthin and tocotrienol on human skin. Food Style. 21,6(6);112-117 (2002). Seki, T. et al. Effects of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis on human skin. Fragrance Journal. 12;98-103 (2001).

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose,
  treat, cure or prevent any disease.

9. Who should take astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is perfect for anyone who:

? Wants to take a pro-active approach to supporting health and longevity
? Is serious about protecting their skin and improving its appearance
? Is looking for the ultimate in total-body antioxidant protection
? May be exposed to an increased amount of free radicals, i.e. those who live in urban areas,
  who smoke or work around chemicals, who exercise frequently, who eat a processed foods diet,
  or who have been or still are frequently exposed to sunshine

AstaREAL AstaxanthinAstavita Astaxanthin owes it's superior antioxidant power to our high-performance ingredient, AstaREAL.

What is Astavita Astaxanthin?
Astavita's astaxanthin is harvested from the best source of astaxanthin in the world: the deep red microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. Astaxanthin is an example of evolution at work. Normally, the microalgae that swim about freely in pools of water are green. However, when the water pools dry out and the algae are exposed to intense sunlight, they begin producing large quantities of bright red astaxanthin. Why? Because astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that protects the algae from UV radiation, allowing them to survive - even in the harshest of conditions.

AstaREAL: The Superior Astaxanthin
AstaREAL Astaxanthin is harvested from Haematococcus pluvialis, which contains the highest concentrations of astaxanthin in the world.

Ultra-Pure AstaREAL
Our patented, enclosed BioDome system in Maui, Hawaii and our photobioreactors in Gustavsberg, Sweden protects algae from environmental pollutants, assuring absolute purity.

FAQ 1. What is an antioxidant?
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radical molecules. Why are free radicals so bad? Think of them like vampires, but instead of blood, they need electrons to survive. One free radical will take an electron from a healthy molecule, which then turns it into a free radical. Then that free radical takes an electron from another healthy molecule. A chain reaction occurs that can harm many molecules in the blink of an eye.

Scientists widely regard free radicals as the main cause of aging.

2. What creates free radicals?
Free radicals are produced by the body as a normal part of breathing, and are therefore created at a greater rate during exercise. However, certain environmental triggers create an increase in free radical production, such as pollution, stress, hydrogenated oils, and radiation from sunlight or x-rays.

3. Where does Astaxanthin come from?
Astaxanthin can be found all over the world, from African lakes to Arctic snowfields, giving a bright red hue to a number of algae species.

4. How does it compare to other antioxidants?
All antioxidants have the same action - neutralizing harmful free radical molecules - but their potency varies tremendously. Tipping the antioxidant scales, astaxanthin is:

? 550 times stronger than vitamin E
? 40 times stronger than beta-carotene
? 17 times stronger than grape seed extract

5. Why is it so much more effective?
Astaxanthin's potency has to do with its chemical structure. Picture a cell membrane like an oreo cookie. It has two lipid layers (the cookie layers) separated by a center (the cream). Popular antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C reside horizontally - either outside the first cookie layer or inside the cream.

In that way, they provide limited protection to the cell. But because of astaxanthin's unique structure, it orients itself vertically through all three layers, giving the cell better protection inside and out.

6. Where is it active?
Most antioxidants are tissue-specific. That means they tend to concentrate in one or two places in the body, and that's where they provide their antioxidant protection. Other carotenoids, for example, tend to favor specific organs such as the retina of the eyes or the prostate. Astaxanthin is special because it is active in many parts of the body, so it provides a more complete shield of antioxidant armor.

7. Is it safe?
Astaxanthin has been found to be very safe. However, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please contact your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement. This product is not intended for use by children.

8. Is there any research supporting astaxanthin?
A number of scientific studies have been conducted on astaxanthin in vivo, in vitro, and in humans. They have found that astaxanthin:

?	Is 10 times more effective than other carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lutein. Miki, W. Biological functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure and Appl. Chem. 63;141-146 (1991)
?	Is 550 times more effective than vitamin E. Shimizu, N. et al. Carotenoids as single oxygen quenchers in marine organisms. Fisheries Science. 62;134-137 (1996).
?	Supports visual acuity and relieves eye fatigue.* Nagaki, Y. et al. Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusion and pattern evolved potential in visual display terminal workers. Journal of Traditional Medicines. 19(5);170-173 (2002). Sawaki, K. el al. Sports performance benefits from taking natural astaxanthin characterized by visual acuity and muscle fatigue improvements in humans. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines. 18(9);73-88 (2002).
?	Protects against exercise-induced free radical production. Aoi, W. et al. Astaxanthin limits exercise-induced skeletal and cardiac muscle damage in mice. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 5(1);139-144 (2003).
?	Protects against photo-aging.* Arakane, K. Superior skin protection via astaxanthin. Carotenoid Science. Vol. 5 April (2002).
?	Supports even skin tone.* Yamashita, E. Suppression of post-UVB hyperpigmentation by topical astaxanthin. Fragrance Journal. 14;180-185 (1995).
?	Reduces wrinkles and improves skin's elasticity.* Yamashita, E. Suppression of post-UVB hyperpigmentation by topical astaxanthin. Fragrance Journal. 14;180-185 (1995). Yamashita, E. Cosmetic benefit of dietary supplements containing astaxanthin and tocotrienol on human skin. Food Style. 21,6(6);112-117 (2002). Seki, T. et al. Effects of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis on human skin. Fragrance Journal. 12;98-103 (2001).

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose,
  treat, cure or prevent any disease.

9. Who should take astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is perfect for anyone who:

? Wants to take a pro-active approach to supporting health and longevity
? Is serious about protecting their skin and improving its appearance
? Is looking for the ultimate in total-body antioxidant protection
? May be exposed to an increased amount of free radicals, i.e. those who live in urban areas,
  who smoke or work around chemicals, who exercise frequently, who eat a processed foods diet,
  or who have been or still are frequently exposed to sunshine

AstaREAL AstaxanthinAstavita Astaxanthin owes it's superior antioxidant power to our high-performance ingredient, AstaREAL.

What is Astavita Astaxanthin?
Astavita's astaxanthin is harvested from the best source of astaxanthin in the world: the deep red microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. Astaxanthin is an example of evolution at work. Normally, the microalgae that swim about freely in pools of water are green. However, when the water pools dry out and the algae are exposed to intense sunlight, they begin producing large quantities of bright red astaxanthin. Why? Because astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that protects the algae from UV radiation, allowing them to survive - even in the harshest of conditions.

AstaREAL: The Superior Astaxanthin
AstaREAL Astaxanthin is harvested from Haematococcus pluvialis, which contains the highest concentrations of astaxanthin in the world.

Ultra-Pure AstaREAL
Our patented, enclosed BioDome system in Maui, Hawaii and our photobioreactors in Gustavsberg, Sweden protects algae from environmental pollutants, assuring absolute purity.

FAQ 1. What is an antioxidant?
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radical molecules. Why are free radicals so bad? Think of them like vampires, but instead of blood, they need electrons to survive. One free radical will take an electron from a healthy molecule, which then turns it into a free radical. Then that free radical takes an electron from another healthy molecule. A chain reaction occurs that can harm many molecules in the blink of an eye.

Scientists widely regard free radicals as the main cause of aging.

2. What creates free radicals?
Free radicals are produced by the body as a normal part of breathing, and are therefore created at a greater rate during exercise. However, certain environmental triggers create an increase in free radical production, such as pollution, stress, hydrogenated oils, and radiation from sunlight or x-rays.

3. Where does Astaxanthin come from?
Astaxanthin can be found all over the world, from African lakes to Arctic snowfields, giving a bright red hue to a number of algae species.

4. How does it compare to other antioxidants?
All antioxidants have the same action - neutralizing harmful free radical molecules - but their potency varies tremendously. Tipping the antioxidant scales, astaxanthin is:

 550 times stronger than vitamin E
 40 times stronger than beta-carotene
 17 times stronger than grape seed extract

5. Why is it so much more effective?
Astaxanthin's potency has to do with its chemical structure. Picture a cell membrane like an oreo cookie. It has two lipid layers (the cookie layers) separated by a center (the cream). Popular antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C reside horizontally - either outside the first cookie layer or inside the cream.

In that way, they provide limited protection to the cell. But because of astaxanthin's unique structure, it orients itself vertically through all three layers, giving the cell better protection inside and out.

6. Where is it active?
Most antioxidants are tissue-specific. That means they tend to concentrate in one or two places in the body, and that's where they provide their antioxidant protection. Other carotenoids, for example, tend to favor specific organs such as the retina of the eyes or the prostate. Astaxanthin is special because it is active in many parts of the body, so it provides a more complete shield of antioxidant armor.

7. Is it safe?
Astaxanthin has been found to be very safe. However, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please contact your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement. This product is not intended for use by children.

8. Is there any research supporting astaxanthin?
A number of scientific studies have been conducted on astaxanthin in vivo, in vitro, and in humans. They have found that astaxanthin:

	Is 10 times more effective than other carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lutein. Miki, W. Biological functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure and Appl. Chem. 63;141-146 (1991)
	Is 550 times more effective than vitamin E. Shimizu, N. et al. Carotenoids as single oxygen quenchers in marine organisms. Fisheries Science. 62;134-137 (1996).
	Supports visual acuity and relieves eye fatigue.* Nagaki, Y. et al. Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusion and pattern evolved potential in visual display terminal workers. Journal of Traditional Medicines. 19(5);170-173 (2002). Sawaki, K. el al. Sports performance benefits from taking natural astaxanthin characterized by visual acuity and muscle fatigue improvements in humans. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines. 18(9);73-88 (2002).
	Protects against exercise-induced free radical production. Aoi, W. et al. Astaxanthin limits exercise-induced skeletal and cardiac muscle damage in mice. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 5(1);139-144 (2003).
	Protects against photo-aging.* Arakane, K. Superior skin protection via astaxanthin. Carotenoid Science. Vol. 5 April (2002).
	Supports even skin tone.* Yamashita, E. Suppression of post-UVB hyperpigmentation by topical astaxanthin. Fragrance Journal. 14;180-185 (1995).
	Reduces wrinkles and improves skin's elasticity.* Yamashita, E. Suppression of post-UVB hyperpigmentation by topical astaxanthin. Fragrance Journal. 14;180-185 (1995). Yamashita, E. Cosmetic benefit of dietary supplements containing astaxanthin and tocotrienol on human skin. Food Style. 21,6(6);112-117 (2002). Seki, T. et al. Effects of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis on human skin. Fragrance Journal. 12;98-103 (2001).

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose,
  treat, cure or prevent any disease.

9. Who should take astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is perfect for anyone who:

 Wants to take a pro-active approach to supporting health and longevity
 Is serious about protecting their skin and improving its appearance
 Is looking for the ultimate in total-body antioxidant protection
 May be exposed to an increased amount of free radicals, i.e. those who live in urban areas,
  who smoke or work around chemicals, who exercise frequently, who eat a processed foods diet,
  or who have been or still are frequently exposed to sunshine