Finding right supplement can be tricky

Maybe it's not this difficult for some people, but for me, choosing a supplement is more complicated than trying to understand the mechanic as he explains what's wrong with my car.

I have the overwhelming urge to ask him if I should attend a class on auto mechanics before we continue this conversation. Likewise, I feel a couple classes on chemistry and physiology might be necessary for my survival in the supplement jungle.

The sad part about supplements is that there aren't a lot of people selling them who know what's in those expensive bottles, and an even smaller number who can help you customize your supplements to your training needs.

Example: I finished running eight miles on the treadmill at the gym a couple months ago. I stumbled to the front counter and asked one of the alleged trainers which of the many shiny bottles with impressive claims would help me recover — if any.

Long pause where only my panting can be heard.

"Well, a lot of runners like this one," the trainer says pulling out something with "Chocolate!" on the front of it.

"Have you tried it?" I asked. "Does it taste OK?"

Another pause. (Notice the lack of scientific specificity in my questions.)

"No," she said. "I usually just drink Gatorade."

"OK," I said desperately. "I'll try it."

"That's $3.11," she says as she pushes buttons on the cash register.

For that price, I think to myself, this better turn me in to the bionic woman. But alas, not only doesn't it do much for me physically. It tastes like a melted chocolate milkshake. I have a seriously upset stomach the rest of the day and consider whether I even need any kind of supplement.

When I consult with my trainer, Neil Anderson, he was unequivocal when it comes to whether or not endurance runners can get by without a daily supplement.

"No," he said. "Not serious ones."

The reason, he said is simple. Runners expend a lot of energy and do a lot of damage to their muscles running seemingly insane amounts of mileage each week.

"Runners actually need more protein than body builders," Anderson told me. "You need a lot of nitrates, which are found in protein."

But runners also need carbohydrates, and if possible, some kind of energy drink with electrolytes in it.