If you got Savage, or took part in a southern Spartan this fall, you probably strolled by a large white RV in the festival area. That RV belongs to IV Hydro Pros, it is a division of Mobile Healthcare Solutions LLC that primarily focuses on the emerging market of IV hydration therapy, primarily serving the state of Texas out of the DFW Metroplex. What makes them unique is that they are mobile and can be booked for events, as well as provide concierge services; bringing hospital treatments to the general public. “Our IV stations have a spa-like atmosphere and are relaxing spaces for all IV’ers to enjoy. Receive your treatment today in a comfortable, sterile, and upscale environment.”
My input for you will be what IV HydroPros will do for your body post-race. My first experience was at Rough Creek Lodge after the Spartan Team Championship. I had just completed my volunteer shift had no time to refuel and was about to do a 12 Hour Hurricane Heat. Yeah I know I am a genius. I met Clinton and Chris outside their RV as Honey Badger was getting ready for her late-night prep. We talked for a bit, and knowing I had slacked on myself, I went for the appropriately named Overexertion package. The experience of having the IV setup and refueling your body is unique. I honestly, at the time, did not feel all the bad or spent but I did know I was running low on fuel and I would have trouble at the 12 Hour if I did not do anything.
As the IV dripped, I could feel a cooling sensation and I became very comfortable. The most unique piece of the experience was that I could feel my body resetting. The longer I absorbed the fluids, the more I felt as if I had not undergone any physical strain earlier in the day. This expanded to the point that when finished I was completely primed to take on the Chris Kyle 12 Hour Hurricane Heat.
When you are sweating during rigorous activity or exercise, your body loses a lot of essential vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals. It is very difficult to replace the much-needed nutrients in a short period of time by drinking fluids. Trying to guzzle down a gallon of water causes bloating, nausea, and discomfort because your body can’t absorb large amounts of fluids when it is saturated. In 45 minutes or less, an IV infusion of 1 liter can provide you with the equivalent of 2 gallons of water. In addition to that, you will get the electrolytes and minerals that we provide in our proprietary blend. To top it off, you can select antioxidants, energy boosting B-12, and an anti-inflammatory to get you back on your “A” game. From illness to hangovers, IV therapy is a fast, safe remedy that yields results. Feel better, faster.
How did it work you may be asking? In retrospect, I had no business going into that HH12HR, I was strained, unrested, under fueled, and had no idea what I was going into. The result was that I was 1 of 8 finishers and of the 6 that also completed the Beast earlier in the day I was 1 of 2 who finished the event. Considering the brutality of the HH12HR event itself; that should tell you all you need to know about the effects. They are real and they provide tremendous value to the athlete. Furthermore, I went 36 Hours without sleep that weekend, I woke up Monday morning with no DOMs (Delayed onset muscle soreness) what so ever. I was fully expecting to be sore to some extent so this was a welcomed surprise.
Some athletes may want to know what are the Spartan or OCR World Championships stance on this for Elite athletes. Spartan would not have them on-site if this was not approved for use by all its athletes. OCR World Championships follow the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) policy for supplementation. WADA has a history of banning anything questionable even if they do not understand the substance and its nature. They have officially band colostrum, colostrum is a naturally occurring component of any mammal’s milk. Supplements that contain colostrum are derived from Cow’s Milk. The point being that WADA can be overall strict and at times over the top in their regulations. IV re-hydration and fueling are allowed for Therapeutic and Medial Use Exemptions (TUEs) and (MUEs). Floyd Mayweather was known for approved use of IV Therapy treatment so this type of therapy has an established history outside of OCR.
At present, the use of IV Hydro Pros is currently legal under the standards for OCR Elite/Pro Racers until such a time Spartan, OCRWCs or any other governing body officially takes a stance or statement to the contrary on the matter. Athletes, ultimately, are still responsible for knowing what is going into their bodies but you are not breaking any rules by simply going the IV route.
My recommendation is after your race, give Chris and IV Hydro Pros a visit. The service and care provided is top notch and I see them growing as athletes and participants learn how to manage and maintain their bodies. This option is going to grow rapidly in popularity because results speak for themselves and they are noticeable, not marginal. If you live in the Dallas Fort Worth Area go to IVhydropros.com and be sure to figure out some way to see them. If you see them at a race in 2017 make sure they are the first people you see after you get that kick ass medal.
Quick Reading
- https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/intravenous_infusions_-_version_4.1_-_july_2016.pdf
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Boxing/comments/3720qh/usada_breaks_their_own_rules_to_give_mayweather_a/
- http://www.usada.org/usada-statement-inaccurate-news-reports-pro-boxing/
IV fluids, electrolytes, super B-12, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
It doesn’t matter if you are a professional athlete or a weightlifting enthusiast; athletic overexertion strains your body and prevents it from the necessary healing it needs. This amazing service will speed up healing time and get you rehydrated in a flash!