I’ve had the opportunity to try Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate supplement. Find out how it’s been working for me!
This post is sponsored by Great Lakes Gelatin. These partnerships are what make Running on Happy possible. Thank you for your support!
As many of you probably know by now, I’ve taken some serious time off from running while working through a case of hamstring tendinitis. It’s been a stubborn injury and I was sidelined for eight weeks. I’ve recently begun incorporating running back into my life and I’m so grateful I can now run a mile pain-free! I attribute that to plenty of rest and recovery, as well as complementary exercises and physical therapy.
Through the month of January I completed the Burpees, Planks, and Push-Ups challenge. This challenge was amazing. My body composition changed in ways I didn’t expect and I felt great. This month I’ve been focusing on the Supermans, Squats, and Twists challenge. So far I’m feeling really, really good. I’ve continued with the burpees, planks, and push-ups, too, as well as cycling 4-5 days each week. I’m so grateful I was able to keep my fitness level up throughout my recovery. Cycling and burpees aren’t the same as running, but they’re definitely a close second!
Is Collagen Hydrolysate Supplement Good for Fitness, Health, and Healing?
But let me back up. I didn’t start the burpees challenge because I needed a way to stay fit. I started it because through December I wasn’t running and I was making horrible nutritional decisions. I’d love to give you all the excuses but what it boils down to is that I wasn’t making good choices. End of story.
By the time January rolled around, I decided to take my life back. In addition to the exercises, I cleaned up my eating habits. It just so happened that during this same timeframe that I was cleaning up my diet, I was given the opportunity to try Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate. I started adding Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate to my morning smoothies which added more protein to my diet overall.
What is collagen hydrolysate and what is it used for?
Hydrolyzed collagen (or collagen hydrolysate) is collagen found in the bones, skin, and tissues of animals. It contains 19 amino acids — 8 of them are essential amino acids.
As we age, the collagen in our bodies decreases. Translation: our bones, joints, and skin are less flexible and hydrated, and more susceptible to breaks, tears, and injuries. If you remember from high school biology, our bodies use amino acids for hair and nail growth, as well as building and repairing soft tissues and bones. Some studies have suggested supplemental collagen hydrolysate can replace some of the collagen we lose over time. By replacing the lost collagen, our bodies are more flexible and free to move in a functional way. Which, let’s face it, is great news not only for athletes but for all of us as we age and move through the cycle of life.
Collagen hydrolysate and injuries
Now that we know what collagen hydrolysate is and why collage is important, let me tell you a story. This may be a total coincidence but hamstring tendinitis is a common injury for individuals in their late 30s to young 60s. I have to wonder if that’s due, in part, to the inelasticity of the tendons from collagen loss over the years. I briefly discussed it with a doctor and although the science isn’t there to back up this claim, I can’t help but wonder.
Here’s the further coincidence — and yes, I think my exercises and diligence with recovery played a much, much larger role overall — but could the added collagen in my diet have had any effect on my recovery and ability to stretch my hamstring further and run again? I can’t definitively answer that but it does make me say hmmm.
Collagen Hydrolysate Supplement: Fitness, Health, and Healing
Collagen and diet
You might have seen my progress picture from the January challenge. Though it’s not a huge difference, it is indeed noticeable. I attribute the change to a) cleaner eating, b) exercise, and c) addition of protein in my diet. I usually maintain a well-balanced diet, but it became obvious I wasn’t getting enough protein. With the addition of the Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate, I was meeting my protein needs more efficiently and it shows!
Another thing I’ve noticed (so far) is that my nails have been growing quicker than usual. I haven’t noticed a change in my skin or hair, but I know those changes take some time. I’ll definitely continue to be on the lookout for positive changes overall.
I’ve been very pleased with my experience with Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate so far. I look forward to continuing my protein regimen and see how things progress. So far, so good! As for the question “is collagen hydrolysate supplement good for fitness, health, and healing?” — I can really only answer that for myself and I’m leaning toward yes.
Interested in trying some GLG Collagen Hydrolysate of your own? Use code GLGLife20 for 20% off Great Lakes Gelatin products. But hurry because this code expires March 15, 2018!
Want to learn more about GLG Collagen Hydrolysate? Join me TODAY on Facebook for a live chat at 1:00 PM EST! Bring your friends!
xo
Let’s talk!
Have you ever used collagen before?
What changes have you noticed?
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52 Comments
I also used collagen when I was dealing with my tendon injury and I think it may have helped! Like you, its hard to say for sure because I was doing alot of rehab and also resting around that time. I haven’t been using it lately but I do want to start again!
See? So it’s not just me! ???
I know everyone is all about the collagen right now. I wish there was a vegetarian version to try! Glad to hear you are doing better
I feel you. I think that’s why it took me so long to try it. I just wasn’t getting enough protein with my vegetarian diet to be honest.
I’m pretty excited about this stuff! Glad you like it too.
I hope it continues to work well!
This is all very intriguing! I have never tried collagen supplements, but I should consider it. My skin has always been on the dry side, and any extra boost would be great!
It’s been helpful. It’s so hard to say exactly how much and I’m sure it’s not just one thing that’s helped over another. But I’m willing to stick with it!
Collagen can definitely help with injury! I’m glad you’re feeling better and getting back to running! It’s always so hard to be sidelined.
Thanks, Laura! I’m happy to be making progress. It’s been a long winter. 😉
I’m hearing so much good stuff about collagen but haven’t tried it yet. I definitely need to get it. My mom would need it also. She has back pains and problem with knees. Thanks for this info Rachel.
I bet it would help her. It certainly can’t hurt! Keep me posted.
I haven’t tried collagen yet. That’s awesome that it helped you!
I’ll continue my experiment of one but so far so good!
I have tried collagen before (scored a few samples at an expo), but I haven’t used it regularly. I think I might consider that and see if it makes a difference!
I think it would be a good thing to try. We’re not getting any younger. Sadly. At least not yet. 😉
I’ve never tried collagen before either but it sounds super interesting!
It seems like it’s working fairly well so I’m going to keep using it!
so interesting! thanks for sharing your experiences, I hope that this collagen supplement helps you heal
Fingers crossed but so far, so good!
Love adding collagen to my coffee in the morning! Definitely notice a difference when I take it.
I’ve never added it to my coffee but I keep hearing about people who do!
I have always been curious about collagen. Thanks so much for your review and information!
I was curious, too. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
I’ve noticed a difference in my nails, too, since I started using collagen – they break less often but I need to cut them more – they seem stronger, and like they’re growing a lot faster!
Yes, same! I feel like I have to trim my nails much more often than before.
I’m all about collagen. I’m a huge fan!
It’s been great so far! Hoping the trend continues.
Glad you’re finding a way to make better choices! I haven’t tried collagen, but it seems to be a lot more popular and Im’ very interested to hear what kind of longterm results you’re noticing!
I’ll continue to use it and hopefully see positive results. I’ve been pleased so far!
Great information about this supplement! So glad you have experienced results with it! Hoping you continue to heal so that you can get back to your running routine!
Thank you, Jessica. I hope so, too!
I’ve tried collagen before, but the only thing I really noticed was my hair growing faster (not as much of a benefit with short hair….) I do think it’s the easiest way to supplement protein, though! I just added it to my coffee and couldn’t tell any difference in flavor.
It is really easy to add, that’s for sure. I haven’t tried it in my coffee, though!
Oh interesting. I hadn’t heard of this as a supplement before!
Really? I’m surprised given your interests and activity of choice. It’s not for building muscle mass but it’s great for joints and soft tissues!
I still haven’t tried out collagen but I definitely need to give it a whirl. I liked learning about Great Lakes at BlogFest last year.
I’m hoping to get to BlogFest one of these years. Now that my kids are older it should be easier for me to travel. I’m thinking 2019 will be my year.
I have been seeing so many articles on collagen. I just recently started adding it to my diet too. Can’t tell if it’s making a difference, but going to give it a month.
The effects are cumulative so you have to use it for a little while to see a difference. I hope it works for you. It’s been working for me!
I’ve never used collagen supplements. I’m glad to hear your having success with it!
Thanks! I’m glad I tried it out. Had no idea it would be so great!
I see collagen supplements everywhere right now, it certainly seems to be the in thing. Im not a supplement person myself but if it works that is great.
I’m not much of a supplement person myself, but after using the collagen hydrolysate I’m definitely a believer!
Thank you for explaining about all the great details and reasons to be taking collagen! It’s one of those things we keep hearing about but do we really know what it is and what it does?!?!
Right! I didn’t know much about it until I got to try it out. I’m glad I did.
I want the stronger nails and hair that comes with it – I keep hearing all these great benefits!
I haven’t necessarily noticed nail strength per se, but they definitely grow faster! I’m sure my hair is, too, but I have so much I can’t really tell. Lol.
I’ve heard a few people attribute recovery from injury and even more energy for runs/workouts to collagen! The benefits are so abundant!
So far it seems to be working! I’ll have to keep it up and make sure it does the job!
I’ve been using GLG collagen regularly for the past few weeks and am totally hooked!
I’m really enjoying it, too!