Optygen....

Yes.  I take the Optygen HP.  I used it some last year and have started using it again this year as my training picks up to higher volumes/intensities and I approach the key part of my racing season. 

I'm natrually a skeptic and believe it could just be placebo, but I 'feel' like it makes a difference in my ability to recover and continue to have quality workouts.  I 'feel' like I can handle a higher training load with less fatigue and strain.  The races I did with it 'seemed' easier than before.

Obviously, it's very subjective and there are no studies or proof that it does what it claims.  The supplement market is rife with scams and snake oil type supplements, but I like to think that they're a good company with actual standards beyond making a quick buck. 

Trying it this year, on my second month - company reputable, they use a good manufacturer and their products are clean (unlike Hammer).

There is data on cordyceps - though obviously cheaper ways to get it, not sure of the rhodiola - I think of it more for anxiety - but giving it a try

I've been using it for awhile and feel like it works well.  I wrote a review on this a couple of months ago: http://danglethecarrot.blogspot.com/2011/03/when-bad-workouts-stopped.html

Jeff, good review.  I've had similar experience with the product and despite the cost will continue to take it throughout the year until my last A race.  I rode the MS150 this weekend averaging over 21mph and finished feeling fresh and ready to go ride again.  That's mostlyy due to the cycling focused training I've been doing recently, but I think the fresh feeling is partially due to the supplement.

The only thing in your blog review I disagree with is that you eliminated the placebo affect by checking with your fellow blogger.  Even if you'd checked with a dozen people who had similar results, the placebo affect is a very real thing.  Your bias in favor of EFS products may have made you more susceptable to the placebo, but even those without a bias are still likely to experience it. 

Unfortunately, there isn't likely to ever be a scientific study that thoroughly and objectively studies Optygen HP and gives us specifics on if and how much it helps.  The studies that examine individual ingredients, combined with anectodal evidence, will probably have to be enough. 

For those that have used this, I am curious if you tried the Optygen version (not Optygen HP) and if you saw any improvements or experienced any side effects (ex. paraesthesia).   The main difference seems to be 1000mg on Beta Alanine.  Is there any value without this?

I don't want to come across as a jerk (and I usually do when I put my "skeptic" hat on) but I have a few questions:

Products like Optygen and Extreme Endurance etc... all claim to allow the athlete to train harder and recover faster.  If this is true, how is this any different than performance enhancing drugs? I am not asking this from a ethical standpoint (that's a whole diff'rent debate). My point is - if this stuff actually had any measurable effects, why isn't USADA all over this? Why aren't all the pro's using it? Steroids also allow harder training and faster recovery - why are they banned but this stuff isn't.  You can't say it's because Optygen is "all natural" - blood doping is "all natural" too. My guess is that steroids are banned because they have been scientifically proven to increase your performance above and beyond what is achievable by training alone.  If supplements like Optygen etc.. really did what they claimed, how could they be allowed when other methods of enhancing performance are not?

Again - I am not here to bash Optygen or the people who use it.  If it works for you - whether as a placebo or for real - great!!  I just can't help but ask the question...

The only questionable thing I heard about Hammer was regarding their Liquid Endurance product.  And that was only because of a change to the prohibited substances list.  Hammer promptly removed it from the market when that happened.

Have you seen other problems?  A lot of people, including BTers use Hammer products so you should provide details if you're going to say something like that.

I think it's a good question and definitely worthy of discussion (maybe on a different thread so we don't hijack). 

To me, there's a distinct difference between supplementation and performance enhancing drugs.  Anything you ingest can alter your body's chemistry.  At the base level, all the macronutrients you get from your regular food are an important part of fueling and recovery.  Then you have all the other amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc. that play roles in keeping your body healthy and running well. 

From what I understand, chemicals such as EPO and Testosterone are different in that they directly act on and change the systems in your body which play a part in aerobic exercise, whereas supplements and food only support those systems or have indirect impacts.  I could be completely wrong here but in my mind I've been able to draw a line.

Honestly, the only line that matters for competition is the one drawn by the governing body of the sport!

I actually agree 100% with you.  N=2 has as much significance as N=1 in this case (and most othes) 

That was basically for my own piece of mind.  I have had a ton of success with First Endurance products and at this point I am biased in their favor.  It was meant to be viewed as anecdotal but in reality was intentionally self-serving.  

I've found myself growing the same bias.  My experience with Optygen has led me to start using other EFS products as well.

Are you still planning on discontinuing the Optygen after IMTX?

I'll probably continue to take it through the rest of this year.  I have a busy race schedule starting in June through early November, so there isn't really a down time.  At the very least I expect my training load to stay pretty high through Buffalo Springs 70.3 (June) and TX State TT champs (July).  Small break there and then the lead up to Austin 70.3 and Ironstar HIM.