Ok faithful NMA readers, all the time you've wasted reading my blog might finally be worth a damn! Brendan Brazier, vegan pro triathlete and author of Thrive, has a new product that's finally available in the U.S., and a lucky reader is going to win a tub of it.
The product is called Vega Sport Performance Optimizer, and it's a sports drink designed to be taken before and during workouts. If you're familiar with Brendan's training and nutrition philosophies, then you can probably guess that it's made from only the highest-quality ingredients. The carbohydrate in it is not from high-fructose corn syrup like you get with most commercial sports drinks, but rather from organic sprouted brown rice syrup and organic palm nectar. This explains why Vega Sport isn't neon green or red like I'm used to seeing with sports drinks. See?
There are a few more ingredients in Vega Sport, like coconut oil, berries, herbs, roots, and leaves, all designed to work together to maximize performance. For example, the brown rice syrup is a high glycemic index sugar, so that you get energy right away, while the palm nectar has a low glycemic index, for slower energy release. For those who are interested, Brendan put together a video where he explains what each ingredient does.
The most interesting choice of ingredients in here, for me, are yerba mate and green tea leaf, both of which contain caffeine. I discovered this when I drank a double serving of this stuff about half an hour before a seven-mile run yesterday. As I was watching the end of the Ravens game and letting Vega Sport go to work, I noticed an alarming amount of life-is-good-ness going on in my head, and only after checking the ingredients list did I discover why. And that explains the warning on the package that Vega Sport isn't for children or pregnant women. (Sorry, Erin and Baby Fraz!)
In Thrive, Brendan is pretty much anti-stimulant, recommending caffeine for an extra boost only before races and your most demanding workouts. From this I infer that ideally, Vega Sport shouldn't be drunk before every workout and should be saved for the times you really need it. And this makes me feel a little better about the price tag — let's face it, 50 dollars for 30 servings isn't cheap (but all the better for you, the potential contest entrant).
And if the claims Vega Sport makes about performance are true, then it would be worth it for me. I won't go into all the supposed benefits, but if you're interested, they're listed on the website.
So how was Vega Sport? Well, it dissolved easily in water just by shaking it in a bottle; no need for an immersion blender. And it tasted good — not great. Kind of like most sports drinks but a little more natural tasting. Of the two flavors, lemon-lime and acai berry, I prefer the lemon-lime. But it's close; both are very drinkable.
My trial run with Vega Sport wasn't really an ideal testing environment, because I just did an easy seven miles on the trail. And I felt good, but I never had to push myself too hard to really see if I noticed a benefit. So you'll have to check back for that one; I'll definitely give it a try before my next track workout and I'll let you know how it goes.
I hate contests where you get all these extra points for tweeting, linking back, etc. They make me not want to even enter. You will make me a happy blogger if you do that stuff, but it won't get you extra points in the contest.
So all you need to do to enter is leave a comment on this post before Friday, and I'll choose a winner at random. Nice and simple, huh? Good luck!
Three more things —
1) I earn a commission on any sales that come via my blog. Nothing to hide here, folks.
2) You might also be interested in my interview with Brendan Brazier, my review of Thrive, and two recipes from Thrive — raw energy gel and natural sports drink.
3) Thanks to Brendan and Kelly from Sequel Naturals for the opportunity to review and give away Vega Sport.
For more natural sports nutrition posts and recipes, check out the Running Fuel page.
Join the NMA newsletter today, and get started with a 10-part e-course on the essentials of plant-based nutrition and training:
I'd love to try this sports drink out. I'm all about natural products, and plan to start training for the Sarasota half-marathons oon.
.-= VeggieGirl´s last blog ..Okra Stew =-.
Yay! I want to be a part of the give away! I ran my second 5K yesterday and it was a wonderful experience as it was a Cancer Run. I ran in memory of a dear cousin on mine. It was very touching to see all of the people running for someone. Charity races is an added benefit I never thought of when I started running. Being a part of something bigger than myself while growing myself. On a last note, I did get stopped during the last stretch of the race by a horrible side stitch. This happens a lot towards mile 3. Any suggestions?
.-= Hethir´s last blog ..How to Tell When you are Ovulating with a Fertility Microscope =-.
Nice! I'd love to enter the giveaway. I haven't seen this stuff before so it would be fun to try it.
On an unrelated note, I'm thinking about screenprinting a tech shirt…would you be willing to share your source/cost information about the NMA shirts? By the way, I love mine! Posted about it here: http://www.divaknitting.com/blog/2009/09/30/pain-is-the-order-of-the-day
.-= ck´s last blog ..Pain is the order of the day =-.
I would love to try this product! Thanks for the giveaway.
I would love to try this! I saw Oh she glows reviewed this the other day as well and I need to branch out a bit from my regular protein powder!! I will throw it out there on twitter too! Thanks Matt!
.-= Mary @ Fit this girl´s last blog ..My weight loss Journey Part 1 =-.
Count me in.
.-= Caleb´s last blog ..Ignorance is bliss – until you know =-.
Kind of a hefty price tag! I'd love to try it though. Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm a huge Vega fan — I read "Thrive" and now use Vega almost every day. I like the chocolate kind YUM!
I'd love to check out Vega sport, especially since I have not (oops) yet made any of the homemade drink recipes he calls for in the book.
.-= Katy´s last blog ..Ain’t No Dragon Me Down =-.
Sweet! What an awesome giveaway. I liked the book and I'd love to try one of his products!! Thanks Matt – you rock!!
I love his Whole Food Optimizer…I wish it was sold locally here in my town. Blast!
.-= Andrea Flowers´s last blog ..Taking good care of my face/skin… =-.
Dude, this givaway sounds great- I love endurance fuel!
.-= Kathleen´s last blog ..This is supposed to be a health blog… =-.
First, very exciting giveaway… I'd LOVE to try this stuff. I love all of the natural ingredients that all serve a purpose.
Two, I LOVE LOVE LOVE #1… I think full disclosure is the best policy & you aren't doing anything wrong! Why not partner up with a great company & offer something up to the blogging community. I don't see anything wrong with it at all- I'm just not a fan when people have giveaways and you wonder how they stumbled across the product & the partnership, and they don't offer you the entire truth. So anyway, kudos to you!
*crossing fingers* in hopes of winning!
I want to be part of the giveaway!
I am just starting to train for my second marathon and this would be perfect to drink before and after my long runs!
Yummy flavors – my kind of giveaway! I hope I win!
Oh I'd to try that stuff out!
Congrats on your Bq! I have really enjoyed your blog and Sweet-tooth fridays! I just saw the Performance Vega last week and would love to try it , especially the acai berry kind. I am about to do my second marathon and then train for our local Crackhead Challange and I could really use a boost! Thanks so much for the opportunity, pick me!
I don't usually have stuff with caffeine but I'd love to give this a try! I'm sure the green tea extract would put a pep in my running step
.-= Evan Thomas´s last blog ..(Half-)Marathon Monday =-.
oooo! I would love to try it out.
.-= K8´s last blog ..Product Review- MimicCreme =-.
I'd love to give this stuff a try, but I am so hesitant to fork out the $$$ until I know whether or not I like it!
Oh oh! Pick me! Pick me!
I am intrigued by this as I hate "sports" drinks. I am going to buy some if I don't win. On top of that, Matt, after the Wineglass, I registered for my first ever race – a 5K but I swore I was not a racer or a runner.
.-= Nicki´s last blog ..Flexibility and Change =-.
Sweet! I love Thrive, my husband and I have been making shakes based on all the different recommendations in the book, but it would be so much easier to have them all in one place.
.-= Ingunn´s last blog ..Larch Week, Part Two: Black Peak =-.
I have heard good things about this but have never seen it or tried it.
That sounds great – so much better than the overprocessed, unnatural junk that's floating around out there! I'm a beginning runner (two 5ks under my belt this month) and I'm looking for ways to optimize my performance. I also wanted to say thank you for this inspirational, entertaining blog proving that you don't need meat to be fantastically healthy! Congrats on your Boston qualifying time!
I am always up for trying new things!
.-= Madison´s last blog ..Long Beach Marathon =-.
I have been longing for this stuff for a LONG time but unfortunately as a grad student I can't afford the price. As a nomeatathelte myself your site always gives me lots of inspiration. Thanks for the great blogs!
I am dying to try this stuff, so I'd LOVE to win it!
I've always hesitated to use neon-colored, corn-syrup laded sports drinks. I'm excited that there is an alternative!
The last vegetarian energy drink I tried was all right. I am interested in trying out another.
Sounds amazing! I have wanted to try it but being on a budget doesn't always allow it. Great giveaway!
I would love to try this. Cool giveaway.
.-= Robin´s last blog ..Marathon #7 is in the Books, Here I Come Maniacs! =-.
I'll enter the giveaway, although fair warning, I'd be sharing it all with friends since I avoid caffeine like the plague. I have some friends that love their caffeine and are into the natural foods, though, so I know they'd love it.
.-= Blaine Moore´s last blog ..100 Year Old Ruth Frith Sets New Shot Put World Record =-.
Yes please!
.-= Krista´s last blog ..Ocean Swim in La Jolla, CA =-.
[...] Continue reading here: Vega Sport Giveaway! [...]
I'm interested in trying this product. Please enter me in the giveaway.
I'd love to try it!
.-= J.´s last blog ..Vegan Eggplant Parmesan =-.
Yum yum yum!! I just finished Thrive and am dying to start seriously incorporating some of Brendan's concepts. I've been hesitant to make too many changes with the marathon so close (5 days, aaaahh!!!) but November and December are going to be some great veg-friendly months, I think.
Thanks for doing this great giveaway!
.-= Katherine´s last blog ..Chicken and Dumplings – Recipe =-.
Hi NMA!
I'd love to try this sports drink. I actually just commented to my boyfriend that the first ingredient in Powerade is high fructose corn syrup when we went for a bike ride. This seems much better than the sugar stuff we see on all the shelves.
I haven't commented before so I'll take this opportunity to say congrats on qualifying for Boston! Also, cheers to your healthy lifestyle. I am a vegetarian myself (my whole life) and I am all about spreading the veggie joy!
interesting on the caffeine addition, I have plans to start reading thrive when i get back home. i hear you on the giveaways, i don't tweet, nor am i on facebook
although i just gave people a second chance on my giveaway so i guess i caved!
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..A year gone by and a giveaway! =-.
cool giveaway! I'm a huge Brazier fan (and a high-raw, mostly-gluten-and-soy-free vegan and avid runner) and would love to give this stuff a try before a run
I just recently found your blog but haven't commented yet. am really enjoying your posts!
.-= Emily´s last blog ..Detox Saturday and multi-tasking Sunday =-.
I'd love to try the Vega Sport! I like Vega, but it's so expensive that I can't justify buying it regularly. Thanks and I know this is belated, but Congrats on your BQ! I'm struggling through a running injury right now and your story is really inspiring
I love the fact that it isn't a freaky colour. That's one thing I really really really hate about most sports drinks. It's hard to consume something that looks radioactive.
.-= Ananas´s last blog ..8.5km of BRILLIANCE =-.
I'm tweeting about this giveaway just because I don't have to! I honestly don't enter contests because of all the tweet, post, etc. Does that make me a bad blogger friend?
Thank you for the awesome giveaway! I would love to try this stuff as I love the vega smoothie infusion.
.-= Jess in NYC´s last blog ..Hold and Reset =-.
I would love to try this stuff. I bought Thrive a couple of months ago and I have been slowly incorporating many of his things in my diet and slowly phasing out meat. Your blog is great – thanks for all the advice you share.
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Back to work! =-.
Hello! I am a cross-country runner at my high school, and tomorrow I run the penultimate meet of the season! I read your blog every day. Thanks for this neat giveaway!
Alisha
Will you give away to someone in Australia? I really really hope so!
ABB
I reviewed this stuff too and I really liked it and would love to win more
.-= Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)´s last blog ..Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Bread (Gluten/Soy-Free) =-.
What a cool giveaway! I just did my first Half Ironman in Sept. and would love to give this product a try for my triathlon training! My copy of "Thrive" is on the way and will hopefully reach my mailbox tomorrow! I've been a vegetarian/ semi vegan for about a year now and am loving every minute of it. Thanks for your awesome blog!
I'd love to win this one! As other posters have mentioned, it's expensive, so I'd love the chance to "test run" this product.
Wow! I would love to give this stuff a try (although a DOUBLE SHOT sounds a little scary! haha). I'd definitely go for the lemon-lime…
.-= Katie (Life Discombobulated)´s last blog ..Race Recap =-.
I really wanna try this stuff, I've been looking for a good drink!
I would love to try this drink! Nothing like another Thrive lemming to try!
I'm planning my training for my first (gulp) marathon! I could use the
boost!!
sounds like something cool to try!
Hi Matt,
Found your blog about a month ago (training for my first half-marathon, meatless living for about two years now), and this looked like a prime opportunity to finally hit you with a message. Your posts were so convincing that I went out and bought my own copy of Thrive almost immediately and have been concocting a new recipe from it at least three times a week.
I don't think any more sucking up than that would be appropriate for an introduction post, so I'll leave it at that.
A big congrats on the stellar marathon performance and the baby news. Oh yeah, and nice to meet you.
Hi! I recently discovered your blog, and enjoy all the running info and advice. I've been running for over 10 years, but never took it seriously. All that is about to change – I just signed up for my first 1/2, March 27, 2010. (and have a little running project going on the blog to boot!)
Would love to try the Acai Berry version!
Best,
Betty.
(P.S. congrats on qualifying!)
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..One down, fifty one to go… =-.
sounds great!!! I have a vega shake every day–berry…a new one looms on the horizon!
I'm slowly becoming a Vega convert, just started using the smoothie infusion over the weekend and have a bunch of the whole food optimizer kicking around. Would be interested in trying the "Sport" -it would be nice to have a vegan sport drink that doesn't glow in the dark.
I'm a big fan of Brendan and would love to win this! I have an address in the USA…
Hi Matt! I too am new to your blog and I've found it VERY informational and inspiring as I train for my first half (Oct 31st, gettin' excited!). Vega seems like it would provide a great boost for my workouts so I'd love to try it!
I want to try it. I can't find Vega products around here. Although I eat and blog about a lot of decadent raw cupcakes, I actually fill in the rest of my diet with more heath conscience fare, often inspired by Brendan Brazier.
.-= shannonmarie´s last blog ..Chai me; you'll like me =-.
I own "Thrive" and would love to try the sports drink… for free.
Fun giveaway! I'd love to try this. Somebody downloaded firefox and can finally comment again
.-= Erica´s last blog ..Body Step Launch & Slaw Salad =-.
I would LOVE to try this. Hope I win.
Yes, a vegan sports drink… finally! Although I have dairy intolerances, I still submit to some dairy for during-run fuel (in the form of gels). Count me in!
.-= Nobel4Lit´s last blog ..This is What 20 Looks Like =-.
I want to experience the "life-is-good-ness" you wrote about! I hope I win! *crossing my fingers*
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..How I Got Started Running =-.
Thrive is on my wish list of books to read.
And I am always on the lookout for good vegan products!
.-= Charm City Kim´s last blog ..Trip Down Memory Lane =-.
Hey, I purchased and wore a No Meat Athlete shirt for the entire Steamtown 2009 Marathon.
That should count for something…
This sounds great. Tired of syrupy Gatorade. Blech.
This looks great! I've tried other vega products, but not the Sport drink yet.
Hugs to ya, Matt for making this an easy contest to enter! I have done the same thing on my blog…easy peasy lemon squeezy..he he!
I have never tried Vega products, but I am always open to experimenting, especially healthy products.
Enjoy!
love your blog–
I was running a 5k in georgia this weekend and saw a girl sporting a NMA tech tee– struck up conversation based on your blog and both expressed how excited we were for you to qualify for Boston– your blog encourages people to change there lives for the good in many ways-
I just read Thrive and even copied down some of his recipes before returning it to the library. Definitely interested in what he says but definitely not able to afford his products (thus the library book). I'd love to try them though (hint, hint). I really liked that he doesn't push his products be gives at-home alternatives. Thanks for linking back to your older posts about him, I'll read them all!
.-= Caroline´s last blog ..A confession =-.
I'm reading The Thrive Diet right now, I'd love to try this!
Wahoo Vega! I've been really wanting to give that stuff a try! Great giveaway!
.-= Kristen (Friends With Salad)´s last blog ..Sometimes being a little bitter is a good thing. =-.
Thanks for the giveaway! And I don't have a blog and don't tweet – so I appreciate you leveling the playing field for me!
I would love to give this a try! During the training leading up to my first marathon this past summer, I learned that on long runs my body tends to do best with a Camelbak full of Gatorade. I'd love to find something better than Gatorade; this sounds like it might be a good alternative.
Congrats again on your BQ…you've inspired me to think that maybe I could get there someday, too!
Congrats on the BQ! I am a huge Brendan Brazier fan and would LOVE to try the product — I am a college-aged runner (soo also on a budget — coughing up 35 bucks for the vega whole food optimizer = not fun) and always have difficulty making recovery drinks in my teeny dorm room (the magic bullet can only do so much). I think the mix would be a great addition to my training and make life a little easier between tempo runs and class!
I bought Thrive reading your interview with Brendan. Would love to try the new products.
I enjoy your blog so much! Like Sweet Treat Friday's with your sister. Have tried a few recipes,(YUM!)
I have enjoyed your mom's travel adventures as well.
I've never tried any Vega products, but this looks great!
Would love to try this! I have tried the bars and love them, would love to try the drink as well!
I'd love to try Vega! I picked up a copy of Thrive and am looking forward to trying some of his recipes!
And congratulations on Boston! I'm thrilled for you!
Carla
One little comment and I'm entered… sounds great to me!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Le Marché =-.
I loved thrive. It was a great book and I am so excited to see Vega products available in the U.S. now.
Thanks so much for the opportunity! I appreciate it that you are only making us comment because I find it unfair to people who don't tweet or have a blog to link back.
Wow! This looks awesome. I've been wanting to read his book for a while now.
I would LOVE to try this product. I have tried various goos, etc in the past, but all have upset my stomach while I run (NOT ideal…). I would love to try this out!
Kim
I am going to see Brendan Brazier in person at my Raw Meet-Up on Nov 1 in Fort Myers! I can't wait to talk to him since I am already Vegan and have had a huge change in "work out" look. I have used Vega in the past so maybe Vega Sport will help me to get those "cut" muscles back!!!
I've been looking for a new drink. I'm entering! Lemon-lime all the way, baby!
Awesome giveaway! I'm reading THRIVE right now… BB is so creative and inspiring!
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Photos Speak Louder Than Words =-.
cool – thanks for telling us about this new line and the opportunity to win
Recently picked up Thrive because of your recommendations – can't wait to read it and try the recipes!
I have been dying to get my hands on this stuff since I've seen it enter the blogosphere! Thanks for doing the giveaway!
.-= Andrea´s last blog ..Spooky Weekend =-.
This sounds great! I'd love to try this as I've yet to find a fueling source that I really like. Thanks!
I throw my cap in the ring. Blog Style. I assume with your math background some random number generator will be used for picking the winner???
Stuff sounds great! I have never consumed an energy drink (the ingredients and artifical sweeteners make me nervous) I use caffeine sparingly and I work-out a lot (as well as chase my two year-old son around all day, everyday). I would really love to try something that actually is ALL NATURAL and gives me a little something extra for my running and weight lifting workouts.
I am a recent convert of Brendan Brazier's stuff. This looks like great stuff! I have never been able to tolerate the gatorades of the world. This is a definite disadvantage when trying to complete IM's and marathons. I would absolutely invest in this stuff if it does the job.
Thanks for considering me.
I'm really excited about this stuff. I'm huge into coconut water, which I know you didn't find too appealing but I'm always looking for something new and exciting!
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Nike Half Marathon – The Conclusion =-.
I separated from Gatorade several months ago and have been in the market for a sports drink. I also enjoy long walks on the beach.
i absolutely love vega sport. its delicious and i like that it uses whole foods. I did find the addition of yerba mate interesting for all that Brazier says against stimulation. But i definitely think it is an excellent choice if you are going to have caffeine anyways.
i just wish vega products were a bit cheaper. But the high quality ingredients make it worth it.
thanks for hosting the giveaway!
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..Nike Womens Marathon 2009-Pre Race =-.
I just came across your blog and would love to win! I love Vega products!!!
Wow, lots of comments! Is this the reason your server has been dropping the connection the last day and a half? I'd love to try the Vega drink.
I'm training for my 7th marathon and would love to try it!
yum yum vega! i would LOVe to try this stuff after the marathon this weekend as i start shaping my next training plan!
.-= katherine´s last blog ..Full On Panic Mode =-.
Vega sounds awesome! I'd love to try it.
.-= Meg C.´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
I would love to try it!
Congrats on Boston!!!
and yay for the sweet giveaway!
.-= Melinda H.´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
I really want to try this stuff because I could use that boost before a workout. And thanks for not making me do 4736436 things
.-= Heather´s last blog ..happy love your body day! =-.
I have my very first marathon in Philadelphia coming up in November. Perhaps the Vega Sport will give me the super powers it gave you?!?
.-= Gillian´s last blog ..Reason #61: Not Your Typical Race Day Prep =-.
I tried a sample of the Vega Sport (lemon-lime) and found it amazing. I was tired and listless, but in 20 minutes I felt "alive". I noticed great mental clarity, energy and a mood lift. Thanks for a great product. I am 67 years old and can start exercising again.
I tried Vega Sport (lemom-lime). In twenty minutes, this tried listless body was revived and I felt I had new life. I did notice increased mental clarity and a boost in mood and energy. I am 67 years old and was amazed at the results. Thanks for a fantastic product!
I'm trying to keep up with marathon training while working two physically demanding jobs. Sometimes I doubt anything will help, but I like everything Brendan has to say. Maybe this will be it!
This sounds great! With the winter temps already dipping WAY too low in boston, I can use all the extra pep I can get
I love the logo and would love to try it! I'm going to need it because winter starts next month here – deep freeze! Thanks!
I have been reading your blog for the last few months and with this offer I had to finally write in. Thanks for the great reading and inspiration.
Enjoy reading the blog. Found it while searching for info on Thrive.
I have been dying to try this stuff! I loved Thrive, and would love to try this for long workouts!
Wow! This looks awesome. I despise some of the unhealthy carbs in sports drinks – it's nice to know there are alternatives out there!
.-= Amber@theminimalistdiaries´s last blog ..Good things come in TWOS =-.
Sounds amazing! Would love to try it!
I would love to try some!
I enjoy your blog. I'd love to try some.
Yay, I got on the site! Would love to try this! thank you so much for not making us link back to this, tweet that, tell your friends for extra points . . .I don't really like that either
.-= EatingRD´s last blog ..amazing experience =-.
I swim almost every day of the week, I would love to try this.
[...] the original Vega Sport is a high-carbohydrate drink for fueling workouts, Vega Sport Performance Protein contains very few [...]
I am training for mountain biking and cant afford essentials such as this, In fact seeing as I am unemployed. I have no reservations in considering any offers yuo may have in earning some vega or other vegan products to get me there naturally anything helps. thank you -Joshua
I do weights and since I no longer allow anything with artificial colours, flavours or nasty sucralose I now take Vega Sport as my only pre-workout. Gone are things like 1 MR and Jack3d. I love Vega products.
Well I am a 60 year old manual laborer who works outside near the mexican border (think hot) who bought a container of this stuff for the boss and ended up with it because he thought it tasted like shit (well not my words but the lime does taste bad..real bad)
The good news is it seems to really work.I focused on individual tasks,got organized better,my arms ache after exercise or sleeping and that stopped,I seemed to finish things i started and worked longer before needing a break.In this non-union state the ability to work like a dog is the difference between keeping a job and unemployment.
I just learned about this site and wish I would have stumbled upon it sooner. I gave up meat a month ago and feel great. I have been educating myself on healthy, clean, eating every day and still know that there is so much more to learn. I have seen Vega around the local health food store and didn't know what to think about it – until now. I know that the give away has got to be long gone by now, but appreciate the information being here for me to see.
I would absolutely love to try this product. I'm a 27 year old female who has been active in running and martial arts all my life. I eat as healthy as I can and take an abundance of supplements to accommodate to my active lifestyle. I recently had a double (breast) lumpectomy, one of which was malignant. I would like to blame it on my massive commercial supplement consumption. BUT !!! No pity party here. I would just like to hit my reset button and try this active, VEGAN lifestyle this time around.