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Best Vegan Protein Powder for Marathon Runners

Published by Coach Chris Knighton on

Recover Faster and Get Stronger with Vegan Protein Powder
By Coach Chris Knighton
Photo of Knighton Runs Athletes running on a track.

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. When you buy through links on our site, I may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical or nutritional advice, or consultations with healthcare or nutritional professionals. Please consult your own qualified doctor or nutritionist before making any changes to your nutrition or taking any supplements.

Introduction

In this article, I will share with you the best vegan protein powders for marathon runners. Healthy plant-based and vegan protein powders can help you recover faster between your hard workouts and promote increased muscle growth.

Whether you are training for a 5K, half marathon, or marathon, these protein powders are a great way to increase the quality of your diet and make you a faster, stronger runner.

Distance running is a sport that requires very few pieces of equipment, and that is one of the things that makes it so great.

Having great gear will not make you a good runner.

So how do you become a good runner?

Well, there are three main factors that determine your level of performance success in running.

The first factor that determines how good of a runner you are is your genetics. Unfortunately you don’t have any control over this. Your genetics are what they are. Good or bad, you must deal with the lot you were dealt.

Second is your training. You have complete control over your training, and it’s one of the biggest levers you can modulate to become a better runner. Simply put, when you train better, you will run better.

Third is your diet. You also have complete control over your diet. Learning and following proper nutrition for distance runners will help you run faster as your body transforms gradually to reach its ideal body composition for performance.

While there are many ways to improve the quality of your diet, I’ve found one of the easier ways is by making a daily smoothie using plant-based and vegan protein powder.

The list below includes my top picks for the best vegan and plant-based protein powders for marathon runners.


Why I Prefer Vegan Protein Powders

I highly recommend using vegan protein powder to help you become a better marathon runner.

I’ve been vegan since 2008. Even since I learned about the unfortunate realities of modern day animal agriculture, it was the only choice that made sense to me.

Over time, I was thrilled to learn that a plant-based diet may very well be the healthiest diet you can have.

I have certainly enjoyed tremendous health over the past 15+ years.

I credit my vegan diet to helping me perform my best, recover quickly between hard workouts, rarely getting sick, and even staying injury free despite pursuing hard running training year after year.

Athletes need more protein than sedentary individuals, and adding a scoop or two of protein powder to a post-workout morning smoothie is a super easy way to improve the quality of your diet and ensure you are getting what you need to recover and grow stronger between hard workouts.

The protein powders I’ve listed below have been tested by me and I’ve enjoyed all of the products listed here.

You can trust they taste and work great.. at least for me, and I think you’ll like them too!


The Best Vegan Protein Powders for Runners

Complement Organic Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder


Protein Powder Description:

The Complement Organic Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder is my top pick for a plant-based protein powder.

They also make an unflavored version here.

Complement was founded by long standing leaders in the vegan community who strive to make products optimized for plant based eaters.

The supplement industry is one that is often tainted by dubious claims and suspicious products, but because of the great reputation and pro-vegan ethics of the founders, Complement is a brand that I fully trust.

Complement states that each batch is third-party tested and developed through their transparent product process.

Complement is made with simple whole foods. The ratios of the ingredients is printed on the bag: 57% Yellow Pea, 14% Pumpkin Seed, 12% Almond, 11% Sunflower Seed, and 6% chia seed.

Eating quality whole foods is a great way for runners to improve their diet, so I love that the recipe for Complement is transparent and the product is USDA Certified Organic.

For these reasons, Complement makes my list of best vegan protein powder for marathon runners.


Click Here to View “Complement Organic Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder” on Amazon.com

Momentous Essential Plant-Based Pea and Rice Protein Powder


Protein Powder Description:

Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein Powder is another great option for those looking for a vegan protein powder for runners.

Momentous’s formula is made from a precise 70:30 blend of pea and rice proteins, which yields a complete amino acid profile they claim is perfect for rebuilding and repairing muscle after hard training sessions.

Momentous tastes great and has partnered with many top-performing professional distance runners including Emma Coburn, Emma Bates and Molly Seidel.

For these reasons, Momentous makes my list of best vegan protein powder for marathon runners.


Click Here to View “Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein Powder” on Amazon.com


What About Homemade Vegan Protein Powder?

Inspired by Complement’s simple recipe for vegan protein powder, I designed my own recipe for plant-based protein powder to support my running.

Should you make your own or buy it? Well, both are good options!

I like to use both my home-made version and the pre-made products I listed above, and go back and forth between the two options. Making your own lets you be creative, but getting pre-bought powder can be more convenient.

Knighton Runs Vegan Protein Powder


Ingredients
**Use raw nuts and seeds when possible. Adjust ratios to taste**

1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
1/4 cup Almonds (Unsalted)
1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds
1/4 cup Hemp Seeds
1/4 cup Chia Seeds
1/4 cup Flax Seeds
1/8 cup Cocoa Powder
Salt to Taste

How to Prepare

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. I recommend the NutriBullet Blender.
2. Blend until ingredients into a powder.
3. Stop blending before powder turns to paste (You aren’t looking to make protein nut-butter! .. or are you?)
4. Transfer powder to a jar and refrigerate until use.


Conclusion

In this article, I have shared with you the best vegan protein powders to support your marathon running. Healthy plant-based and vegan protein powders can help you recover faster between your hard workouts and promote increased muscle growth.

No matter if you are training for a 5K, half marathon, or marathon, these protein powders can be a fantastic way to increase the quality of your diet and make you a faster and stronger runner.

Whether you are vegan or are looking for a plant-based protein powder to improve the quality for your diet, these are the best vegan protein powders for marathon runners.


Coach Chris Knighton

Chris Knighton helps passionate athletes run faster marathons. He is the founder and head coach of Knighton Runs Marathon Coaching and has been featured in Runner's World and Women's Running. His first book, "Run Faster Marathons: The Proven Path to PR" is available now on Amazon. Chris lives in Providence, Rhode Island with his family.



Recommended Running Products

Running Shoes - Brooks Launch Running Shoes - I have been wearing these running shoes for years. I've easily worn through over a dozen pairs. They are light, fast, well-cushioned, and very affordable. They are perfect for easy days, long runs, and marathon-training workouts.

GPS Running Watch - Garmin Forerunner 45 - I love Garmin watches. If you do not yet own a GPS running watch, buy one now. This model is small and lightweight, making it perfect for running fast and racing. GPS watches are one of the best tools you have to monitor and improve your running. Getting my first Garmin helped get me hooked on this sport.

Identification Safety Bracelet - Road ID Silicone Wristband - I never leave home without my Road ID. It's engraved with My Name, Year of Birth, Allergies, City of Residence, and Emergency Contact Info for my wife and dad. Wearing my Road ID allows me to leave my driver's license at home when I run and have peace of mind.

Energy Gels - GU Energy "Tastefully Nude" Flavor - GU Energy Gels are my go-to fuel for marathon training. I suggest taking one every 30 to 45 minutes during long runs, half marathons, and marathons. The "tastefully nude" flavor is easy to get down and has a mild sweet taste.

Protein Powder - Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein Powder - It's critically important to refuel after a workout or long run within 30-minutes of completion. Making a smoothie or shake with Momentous Protein Powder is an easy and healthy way to jump start your recovery process. Their chocolate flavor is delicious even when mixed with just water.

Anti-Chafe Balm - Body Glide Original Balm - Better safe than sorry! I rub Body Glide balm all over my feet and "sensitive" areas before any important race, workout, or long run. Save yourself from nasty blisters, chafing, or bleeding with a little lubricant.

Recovery Tool - ProStretch Calf Stretcher - This one is a curve ball! My wife introduced me to this tool after I developed tight calves from running. The ProStrech Calf Stretcher can help you get a deeper and more effective stretch than conventional methods. This improved flexibility and range of motion may help relieve, rehab and alleviate plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tight calves and achilles tendonitis, as well as enhance overall performance.

The links above are affiliate links, meaning if you click through on a link and buy a product I may earn a small commission. This has not influenced the products I listed here at all, but buying through these links is a nice small way for you to support what I do.




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