September 1st, 2024 - Northumberland, England
The early morning mist hung over the Northumberland countryside as hundreds of athletes gathered at the starting line of the Geordieman 70.3 triathlon.
Among them stood Ben Bunting, founder and CEO of our supplement company, preparing to tackle his very first half-Ironman distance race, a gruelling 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run.
For Ben, this wasn't just another race. It was the culmination of months of dedicated training and a real-world test of the very supplements his company produces.
More importantly, it represented a personal challenge that would push him beyond his comfort zone and into the demanding world of endurance athletics.
The Challenge Ahead
The Geordieman 70.3, set against the stunning backdrop of Northumberland's rugged landscape, is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
With rolling hills on the bike course and a demanding run through countryside paths, this race tests every aspect of an athlete's fitness and mental fortitude.
"I'd been involved in fitness for years, but triathlon was completely new territory," Ben reflects. "The training volume, the technical skills needed for each discipline, and the sheer endurance required—it was unlike anything I'd tackled before."
Fueling Performance with Purpose
As someone who had spent years developing and refining sports supplements, Ben saw his triathlon journey as the ultimate opportunity to put his products to the test. Throughout his training and on race day, he relied on three key supplements from his own line:
beStrong Creatine Gummies: Power When It Counts
"Power output was crucial, especially during the bike leg and those challenging hill climbs," Ben explains. "The beStrong creatine gummies became a cornerstone of my supplementation strategy."
Creatine is renowned for its ability to enhance short-burst power and strength, making it invaluable for the explosive efforts required during cycling climbs and the final push during the run.
The convenient gummy format made it easy for Ben to maintain consistent creatine levels throughout his training block without the hassle of mixing powders.
beRecovery: The Foundation of Consistent Training
Perhaps even more critical than race day performance was Ben's ability to recover between training sessions. With swim sessions, bike rides, and runs stacked throughout each week, recovery became paramount.
"Training for a 70.3 means you're essentially in a controlled state of overreaching," Ben notes. "The beRecovery formula was essential for managing inflammation, improving sleep quality, and ensuring I could back up each training session with another quality workout."
The beRecovery blend helped Ben maintain the delicate balance between training stress and adaptation, reducing inflammation that could lead to overtraining while promoting the deep, restorative sleep essential for athletic progress.
beFlex: Keeping the Engine Running Smooth
The repetitive nature of triathlon training, thousands of swim strokes, bike pedal revolutions, and running steps, places significant stress on joints and connective tissue. This is where beFlex proved invaluable.
"By month two of training, I was feeling it in my knees, shoulders, and hips," Ben recalls. "The beFlex joint supplement was a game-changer in managing those everyday aches and preventing them from becoming something more serious."
The unique formulation helped maintain joint mobility and reduced exercise-induced swelling, allowing Ben to maintain his training consistency without the setbacks that often plague first-time triathletes.
Race Day Reality
September 1st arrived with typical British weather, overcast skies and a brisk morning temperature that had athletes second-guessing their gear choices. Ben's months of preparation were about to be put to the ultimate test.
The swim start was chaotic, as it always is in triathlon. Bodies thrashing through dark water, occasional contact with other swimmers, and the disorientation that comes with open-water swimming in less-than-ideal visibility.
Ben emerged from the water tired but on schedule, ready for the bike leg that would make or break his day.
The 56-mile bike course showcased Northumberland's beauty and brutality in equal measure. Rolling hills tested leg strength and cardiovascular fitness, while technical descents demanded focus and bike-handling skills.
It was here that months of consistent training and the power benefits of beStrong paid dividends.
"There were moments on those climbs where I could feel the difference," Ben remembers. "The explosive power I'd developed, supported by consistent creatine supplementation, helped me maintain pace when others were struggling."
The final discipline, the half-marathon run, is where many triathletes' dreams come to die. Legs already fatigued from swimming and cycling must somehow carry you through 13.1 miles of varied terrain. Ben's focus on recovery throughout his training proved crucial here.
Crossing the Finish Line
After hours of sustained effort across three disciplines, Ben rounded the final corner to see the finish line banner stretched across the path ahead. The crowd's cheers, the announcer calling his name, and the overwhelming sense of accomplishment combined in a moment he'll never forget.
"Crossing that finish line was incredible," Ben reflects. "Not just because I'd completed my first 70.3, but because I'd done it while proving to myself that our supplements actually work. I wasn't just selling products, I was using them to achieve something I'd never thought possible."
The Bigger Picture
Ben's Geordieman journey represents more than a personal achievement. It embodies the philosophy behind every supplement his company produces: that high-quality, scientifically-backed nutrition can help ordinary people achieve extraordinary things.
"Too often in the supplement industry, products are developed by people who've never actually used them in real-world situations," Ben explains. "This experience reinforced my commitment to creating supplements that work for real athletes facing real challenges."
The success of Ben's supplementation strategy during his triathlon training and racing has informed future product development and reinforced the company's commitment to evidence-based formulations.
Looking Forward
Ben's first 70.3 triathlon is now complete, but his journey in endurance sports is just beginning. The lessons learned, both in training and in how proper supplementation can support ambitious goals, continue to shape both his personal athletic pursuits and his company's mission.
"The Geordieman taught me that with the right preparation, proper nutrition, and consistent effort, you can achieve things that once seemed impossible," Ben concludes. "That's exactly what we want our customers to experience with every product we create."
For those inspired by Ben's journey and looking to tackle their own endurance challenges, remember that success comes from consistent training, proper recovery, and supporting your body with the nutrition it needs to adapt and perform.
Ready to fuel your own athletic journey? Discover how beStrong, beRecovery, and beFlex can support your training goals, just as they supported Ben through his first 70.3 triathlon.
