BY STEVE BORN
In early 2003, Hammer Nutrition introduced a long-distance fuel with the same beneficial ingredients and features as the time-tested Sustained Energy formula (introduced in 1992), plus some additional ingredients that provided even more benefits. That fuel was named Perpetuem (think “perpetual motion”). And since its introduction over a decade-and-a-half ago, it has passed every conceivable test that endurance athletes could throw at it. You name the event, and chances are Perpetuem has not only been there but also conquered it!
Perpetuem’s first conquest
During my record-setting back-to-back crossing of the brutal Furnace Creek 508 route—a total of 1,016 miles and 70,000 feet of climbing—I used Perpetuem as my fuel for 55+ hours of the 75.5 hours I was on the bike. Thanks in large part to this amazing fuel, I was able to complete history’s first and only Double Furnace Creek 508 in October 2002. Although I experienced some fatigue during the trip (which is to be expected when you’re on the bike that long!), I never had any energy issues from my fuel. With Perpetuem as my primary fuel, augmented mainly by Sustained Energy and Hammer Gel (no HEED back then), my energy levels were rock solid.
Since that successful record set over 17 years ago (which still stands), thousands of athletes competing in endurance contests of every kind imaginable—and perhaps even a few unimaginable ones—have relied on Perpetuem to thoroughly and successfully fuel their bodies. Even in ultra-extreme competitions/events/expeditions, such as Race Across America (RAAM), English Channel crossings, Double, Triple, even Deca Triathlons, summiting Mt. Everest, and more, Perpetuem has proven to be the supreme ultra-fuel, delivering all of the following:
- Consistent, long-lasting energy
- Maximum fat utilization
- Reduced muscle fatigue
Perpetuem—The real ultra-distance fuel
Phrases like “state of the art” and “quantum leap” are used so frequently in sports nutrition formulations that their meanings have become diluted and diminished. That’s not the case with Perpetuem. Unlike any other fuel—except for Sustained Energy, Hammer Nutrition’s original ultra-fuel—Perpetuem has proven time and time again that it is THE true state-of-the-art “meal in a bottle” calorie source needed for anything lasting several hours to several days.
Fuels that tout themselves as all-day fuels even though they don’t contain much more than simple sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, etc.) and a lot of salt are simply not going to be up to the task. When you’re going long, you need a substantially more complete fuel to help you get the job done. You want complex carbohydrates—not simple sugars—as the leading component in your endurance fuel. You also want a sufficient amount of protein, a bit of healthy fat, and other beneficial endurance-enhancing nutrients.
Perpetuem's ultra-effective formula
Complex carbohydrates – Perpetuem contains maltodextrin, a complex carbohydrate that provides fast-acting, long-lasting energy without the “flash and crash” that’s common with simple sugars. The 8:1 ratio of carbs to protein is optimal for long-distance fueling.
Soy protein – Soy contains high amounts of naturally occurring specific amino acids—histidine, alanine, aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and more—that have “during exercise” benefits, making it the ideal protein for use during extended exercise.
Lyso-lecithin fatty acids – The inclusion of a small amount of healthy, soy-derived fat in Perpetuem helps cue your body to release its stores of fatty acids so that they can be used as energy. This also helps you feel satiated on fewer calories.
Trisodium phosphate – This compound neutralizes the effects of excess lactic acid and helps increase endurance by balancing acid/alkaline levels in the blood and by improving the availability of oxygen to working muscles.
Chromium polynicotinate – This is a trace mineral that helps regulate blood sugar, works with insulin to transport blood glucose into cells for energy production, and helps metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
L-carnitine – L-carnitine acts as a transporter of fatty acids into the mitochondria where they are utilized for energy production. If the body is depleted or low in L-carnitine, fatty acids are unavailable to be used as an energy source.
Choline bitartrate – Choline functions at the cellular level to help the body access its stored fatty acids for energy conversion. Choline bitartrate (choline combined with a type of salt) is a form of choline that is readily absorbed by the body.
L-carnosine – L-carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide from histidine and alanine. It is an outstanding acid-buffering agent, and it supplies impressive antioxidant benefits.
Summary
Whether you use Perpetuem as your sole fuel from beginning to end or as your primary fuel along with other Hammer Nutrition fuels for some variety in the menu, it doesn’t matter how long your workouts or races are; you will have ALL your caloric needs met thoroughly and completely. For 17 years and going strong, no other fuel has successfully met the extreme challenges that Perpetuem has.
