Today I'm talking with Registered Dietitian Lindsey Janeiro all about collagen. Collagen powder is the hottest supplement on social media with people putting it in everything from coffee to protein snack bites. So I'm talking to an expert to ask everything you want to know – Should you take it? What are the benefits? Will it make me run faster? Lose weight? Look pretty? Get me friends? Fill the hole in my heart???

If you're new here … My name is Monica and I created Run Eat Repeat over 9 years ago to document training for my first full marathon and struggles with my weight. I ran that marathon, eventually lost the weight and the site turned into a great community online and now this podcast! Thank you for listening!

Now 'let's warm up!

Warm Up:

This weekend I'm running the Revel Big Bear Marathon.

Thoughts before the race… impending doom.

I don't feel ready at all. And that stresses me out.

I used to run a half marathon and full marathon practically every month. I fell off the wagon because I was sad, not motivated and gave up on my goal.

In doing the notes for the warm up and identifying that I'm not ready to run a full marathon – in part because I didn't train long or hard enough… but also because I got hurt in a non-physical way that really messed me up… makes me feel a little better about it.

Yes – I could have gotten it together and ran the hell out of other marathons in the last year. Yes – I could have trained harder. Yes – I could have gotten in the best shape of my life!!

But I didn't… so I start here.

This is where I am and I'm moving forward from this spot. Focusing on where I was – faster, fitter, thinner… doesn't help where I am.

I'm not being straight up reckless with my health – turns out I did run 2 -18 mile long runs! – which is all I did for m first marathon (let's not talk about how I hated myself after that race tho).

And the only way I will get back to running marathon distance is by running a marathon, getting my ass handed to me and getting back on track.

So this weekend my marathon goals are:

A. Run a sub-4 hour marathon

B. Finish the marathon strong – run smart, pay attention to fuel and how I feel to learn from it

C. Finish.

D. Not die.

And I'm running with my 1 friend!! So I'm really excited about that!!

Don't forget – there are a lot of races coming up!!

Check the Race Discounts Page for more!

Collagen Powder Nutrition for Runners

Lindsey Janeiro is a Registered Dietitian and founder of Nutrition to Fit. You can follow her on instagram @NutritionToFit or on her website https://nutritiontofit.com .

I'm asking her all the questions on collagen! Everything you (and I ) want to know about it.

What is collagen?

Should you take it? Why?

What are the benefits of taking collagen peptides?

What's the difference between collagen powder versus collagen pill supplements?

Are there any side-effects?

Will it help me run faster? Look younger? Lose weight? Be happier? Less lonely? Keep me warm at night?///

What is collagen powder made from?

Can it help restore skin collagen?

Are there foods that can provide the same benefits?

Are there foods that can increase collagen or help prevent collagen loss?

What should we look for in a collagen supplement? What should we avoid? (nutrition label info / sources / serving size / etc)

Here's some info from Lindsey Janiero RD via Nutrition to Fit:

Collagen 101 – what is it?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, found in skin, muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, and even teeth, blood vessels, and corneas. Collagen has many roles, from helping give your skin elasticity to providing strength in your bones.

What's in collagen made from?

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are made by processing animal cartilage, hides, and bones. This can be from cows, pork, chicken, or other animals and may include one source (i.e. bovine hides) or multiple (hides and cartilage). They can also be sourced from marine sources, like shellfish, fish skins, or cartilage from fish or sharks.

What are the benefits?

Collagen enthusiasts claim collagen benefits/ collagen peptide benefits for anything from improved hair, nails, and skin, to joint health, digestive health, and other various medical conditions.

Note: Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way our conventional food supply is regulated, which means supplement companies are expected to evaluate the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure they meet all requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations (6).

Are there specific benefits for athletes?

Research is suggesting that collagen may reduce and prevent joint pain and bone density loss (9). One 24-week study looked at hydrolyzed collagen as a dietary supplement to help athletes with activity-related joint pain, noting possible benefits of collagen supporting joint health, reducing joint pain that could inhibit athletic performance, and possibly reduce the risk of joint deterioration in certain individuals (10). [via Nutrition to Fit ]

We discuss all of that and more! Listen to the podcast and let me know if you have any questions!

For more information on collagen, nutrition and/or to contact Registered Dietician Lindsey Janiero…

Check out her services at Nutrition to Fit Services

Collagen Supplements & Powder – Common Questions and Information

Nutrition to Fit Collagen Benefits and Side Effects info

Podcast Awards:

Best running group of the week goes to a local running group I saw on the path yesterday…. because they were wearing lights! Every runner was wearing multiple lights and reflective gear. It was the picture of safety (and it was kinda pretty too)!

Yes! They were on point with their safety gear. Boom.

If you need safety gear like lights or reflective gear check out these options…