Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Race Ready Nitrate Stack on Race Day

Race day nutrition can make or break your performance. Even the best training plan falls short if your body runs out of fuel or struggles to recover mid-event. That's where a targeted nitrate stack comes in—a coordinated approach to pre-race priming, mid-race fueling, and post-race recovery using beetroot-based products.

In this guide, we walk through the exact steps to use the Race Ready Nitrate Stack (pre, during + post exercise) on race day. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, or triathlete, this protocol helps you maintain blood flow, delay fatigue, and bounce back faster.

Why a Nitrate Stack Works for Race Day

Dietary nitrates from beetroot are converted into nitric oxide in the body, which widens blood vessels and improves oxygen delivery to working muscles. Taking a single shot before exercise is effective, but stacking nitrate intake across three phases—pre, during, and post—maximizes the benefits when you need them most.

The Race Ready Nitrate Stack is designed specifically for this purpose. It combines a pre-race shot to boost nitric oxide levels before the start, a mid-race energy gel to sustain energy and blood flow, and a recovery shot to reduce muscle soreness and replenish nitrate stores after the finish line.

Step 1: Pre-Race – Prime Your System 90 Minutes Before

About 90 minutes before your race start, take the first component of the stack: the Beet It Nitrate 400 Shot. This concentrated shot delivers 400 mg of dietary nitrates, giving your body enough time to convert them into nitric oxide. Avoid eating a heavy meal during this window—stick to a light, easily digestible snack if needed.

Drink the shot slowly over 2–3 minutes and follow with a small glass of water. This timing ensures peak nitrate levels in your blood coincide with the start of your event. If you're racing early in the morning, you can take it immediately after waking up, but keep the 90-minute window in mind.

• Set an alarm 90 minutes before your start time to take the Beet It Nitrate 400 Shot.

Step 2: During the Race – Sustain Energy with an Energy Gel

For events lasting longer than 60–90 minutes, your body needs a mid-race boost. The Beet It Sport Nitrate Energy Gel Top Up 100 is designed for exactly this moment. It provides a quick hit of carbohydrates (100 kcal) along with additional nitrates to maintain nitric oxide production as the race progresses.

Consume the gel about 30–45 minutes before you expect to hit a tough section—such as a long climb, a final push, or the last 10 km of a marathon. Squeeze the gel directly into your mouth and wash it down with water if available. Avoid taking it too late, as the energy may not kick in before you cross the finish line.

• Time your gel intake to match the hardest part of your race, not the very end.

Step 3: Post-Race – Recover with the Regen Cherry+ Shot

Crossing the finish line isn't the end of your race day nutrition. Within 30 minutes of finishing, take the Beet It Regen Cherry+ Shot to kickstart recovery. This blend combines beetroot nitrates with tart cherry extract, which is known to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness.

The nitrates help restore blood flow to tired muscles, while the cherries provide antioxidants that combat exercise-induced oxidative stress. Drink the shot as soon as you can after stopping, ideally while you're still cooling down and stretching. Pair it with a protein-rich snack or meal for optimal muscle repair.

• Keep a Beet It Regen Cherry+ Shot in your post-race bag so you don't forget to take it.

Sample Race Day Schedule with the Race Ready Nitrate Stack

To help you visualize the timing, here's a sample schedule for a morning marathon start at 7:00 AM. Adjust the times based on your own race start and duration. The key is to maintain the 90-minute pre-race window and the 30-minute post-race window.

5:30 AM – Wake up, hydrate with water, and take the Beet It Nitrate 400 Shot. 6:00 AM – Light breakfast (e.g., banana or toast). 6:45 AM – Arrive at race venue, warm up. 7:00 AM – Race starts. 8:00–8:15 AM – Consume the Beet It Sport Nitrate Energy Gel Top Up 100. 9:30–10:00 AM – Finish race. 10:00–10:30 AM – Take the Beet It Regen Cherry+ Shot for recovery.

• Write down your own schedule on a small card and tape it to your gear bag.

Tips for First-Time Users of the Nitrate Stack

If you've never used a nitrate stack on race day, test it during a training run or a shorter event first. Some people experience a mild tingling sensation or changes in digestion when they first try beet products. Starting with the Race Ready Nitrate Stack during a practice session lets you adjust without the pressure of a real race.

Also, stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Nitrates work best when your blood volume is adequate, so drink water consistently in the hours leading up to the race. Avoid alcohol the night before, as it can interfere with nitric oxide production and hydration status.

• Trial the stack during a long training run at least two weeks before your target race.

Race day is where all your preparation comes together. By following this step-by-step guide with the Race Ready Nitrate Stack (pre, during + post exercise), you give your body the consistent nitrate support it needs from start to finish. Ready to set your next personal best? Explore the Race Ready Nitrate Stack and build your perfect race day nutrition plan.