The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge

Individuals from all over the world are once again set to take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge on December 12, 2022. 

Dubbed “The World’s Toughest Row,” it requires extreme physical and mental endurance to make the 3,000-mile trek across the mighty Atlantic Ocean. 

Xendurance is the supplement of choice for an amazing group of Veterans who will take on this brutal event. They are a collection of Men brought together by their thirst for adventure, challenge, hardship, and constant pursuit to define the margins of their capabilities.

Through this experience, they hope to inspire fellow Veterans to chase the unimaginable, seek to rise through occasions of hardship & struggle, and explore the possibility.

They are rowing in support of The Big Fish Foundation. A Veteran non-profit started 3 years ago with a mission to make an impact against Veteran suicide. During their expedition, they will be raising awareness & financial support for the foundation so it can continue to expand its programs & opportunities for Veterans.

They must withstand strong winds and rough waters as they row 24 hours a day — 2 hours on and 2 hours off — for up to 2 months.  

Here’s what they will encounter from the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

 

Challenges of Ocean Rowing 

To an untrained eye, rowing may seem easy or relaxing — and in a way, it can be. But don’t be mistaken; rowing is one of the most intense sports, especially at the elite level. 

It involves using all major muscle groups, so rowers must have a high fitness level. You’ll need to develop proper technique and muscular power and build up both aerobic and anaerobic endurance. 

As such, rowers are said to have increased lung capacity and higher levels of absolute VO2 max, oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold, and oxygen debt — which help sustain a high level of physical performance.     

Ocean rowing also comes with added limitations as you’re stuck in the confines of your boat for a prolonged period. Rowers claim to have a more challenging time consuming enough energy. It’s also harder to recover your body, mind, and soul while you’re in the middle of the ocean.   

According to a case study, the mean energy expenditure for an ultra-endurance rowing competition is about 38.2 MJ per 24 hours.   

Ocean rowing also comes with added limitations as you’re stuck in the confines of your boat for a prolonged period of time. Rowers claim to have a harder time consuming enough energy. It’s also harder to recover your body, mind, and soul while you’re in the middle of the ocean.   

According to rowers who’ve taken on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenges, the most common health issues they faced include:

• skin-related problems (pressure sores, rashes, blisters, sunburn)
• joint and muscle injuries (claw hand, trigger finger, back, and knee pain)
• mental health issues (panic attacks, anxiety, hallucinations, depression)
• physiological stress (extreme fatigue and isolation, sleep deprivation, dehydration, stress)
• gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, vomiting)
• neurologic symptoms (headaches, seasickness) 

Ocean rowing can lead to excessive fatigue and burnout like any other high-intensity sport. This can increase one’s risk of illness and injury. 

Preparation for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge

Ocean rowers know that nutrition is just as important as fitness. To stick to a grueling 24-hour rowing schedule, athletes must consume about 60 kcals per kg of body weight each day, adding up to about 6,000 calories per day. 

Even so, most rowers still lose a lot of weight during the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Since space is limited, these athletes must rely on high-calorie, energy-dense foods. 

Supplements are also significant since they are compact and easily digestible. More importantly, they help sustain endurance levels and promote recovery.

The Team’s Story

According to Brian Contosh, Xendurance supplements help improve his performance. He has been using XND products for three years. He loves the cleanliness of the product line and how the products make him feel daily.

Hear the story from Brian himself:

Xendurance Meets Fitness Goals

At Xendurance, we specialize in nutritional products that will give your body the fuel to take on any physical and mental challenge. We only use clinically proven ingredients and focus on high bioavailability so that you can meet your fitness goals more efficiently.

 

Daily Foundation 

A strong health foundation will help you take on the world’s toughest row. Our Daily Foundation pack comes with vitamins, nutrients, phytonutrients, and antioxidants to help promote overall health and boost your immune system. This can make you less susceptible to injuries and illnesses while out at sea. 

Studies also show that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 can help support mood and healthy skin — both of which were common health concerns experienced by ocean rowers. 

 

Creatine-JB 

Creatine has become a staple supplement for endurance athletes. Studies show that creatine can help enhance muscle performance during exercise — allowing one to perform harder and longer. 

Creatine may also help increase body mass. According to researchers, as creatine concentrations increase, it also draws more water into the muscles. Thus, the increase in body mass is due to skeletal muscle hydration.

Our Creatine-JB features Creapure® with 99.9% pure creatine monohydrate to boost energy and strength. It also includes magnesium lactate, which can help with muscle fatigue and recovery. 

 

Extreme Endurance 

Our Extreme Endurance supplement features a blend of ingredients that can help boost your stamina and promote faster recovery times. 

Based on studies, the performance blend can help reduce lactic acid concentrations that cause muscle fatigue and soreness. It can also help lower creatine kinase to prevent muscle damage and boost recovery.   

Extreme Endurance is also enriched with catechins, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative stress and free radical damage. 

 

Energy Gels

Our Energy Gels give an instant boost when you need it the most. Each packet already contains 83 kcal of energy and 28 g of carbs in the form of maltodextrin and fructose. Combined with calcium lactate, this can provide a more efficient energy solution. 

The smooth texture and fresh berry and citrus flavors make the energy gels palatable and easy to consume while in the ocean. 

Fuel-5

Looking to fuel your energy and performance? Xendurance's Fuel-5 is what you need. It has five forms of fuel, four of which are carbohydrate fuel sources, and the other is lactate.

Together, these will boost your energy, performance, and recovery. The electrolytes also help with rehydration, while vitamins B6 and B12 help with energy production. All clean, natural energy to power you throughout any arduous physical activity.

Protein

When it's time to rebuild muscles and recover, the Xendurance SuperGrade Protein will supercharge the process! This contains over 70% of Whey Hydrolysate, Whey Isolate, Micellar Casein, and Calcium Caseinate. All of these work together for muscle growth and recovery.

Other benefits to look forward to are lactate for added energy, electrolytes for rehydration, full branch chain amino acids, and vitamins B6, B12, and D for energy production.

 

Get Ready to Take On The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge! 

There is nothing easy about the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. It takes years of training to develop the strength and endurance needed to finish the 3,000-mile trek across the Atlantic Ocean.   

It’s not just your body, too. You need to prepare mentally and spiritually. This will help you cope with any challenges that may arise as you spend 4 to 6 weeks in a small boat.   

But however grueling the challenge may be, there is also no replacing the sense of adventure and fulfillment that comes with finishing the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. 

At Xendurance, we are proud to support the athletes that decided to take on this amazing journey and we will be cheering them on every mile of their journey!