To maximize oxygen efficiency on race day, you must start loading beetroot 5 to 7 days before the start gun. A single dose on race morning is not enough. You need to saturate your plasma nitrite levels.
This is the exact 7-day loading protocol used by Ironman champions. It covers both 70.3 and Full Ironman distances.
In This Guide
- The 7-Day Loading Phase
- Race Day Protocol (70.3 vs. Full)
- What the Pros Do (Data)
- The Critical Constraint
- Frequently Asked Questions
What the Pros Do (Data)
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"My Stamox loading protocol before racing is 2–3 tablespoons 3–7 days before racing. I used it when winning AG Ironman South Africa. Next up is road to Kona 2026!"
— Gilberto Neirotti, AG Ironman Champ
The 7-Day Loading Phase
The goal of this phase is to build a reservoir of nitric oxide in your system. Do not skip days.
| Day | Dose | Timing |
| Day 7 to 3 | 1–2 tablespoons daily | Morning or 2–3 hours before training |
| Day 2 | 2–3 tablespoons | Morning (overload dose) |
| Day 1 (Race Eve) | 2 tablespoons | Morning or early afternoon |
Why this works: Research shows that chronic nitrate supplementation (more than 3 days) is required to significantly improve time-to-exhaustion. Loading saturates your muscle tissue, giving you a physiological platform for the race.
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What the Pros Do (Data)
"Heart rate was 5-6 bpm lower at the same intensity using Stamox."
— Maicol Petta, Ironman Italy AG Champ
The Critical Constraint
Avoid antibacterial mouthwash.
The nitrate in beetroot must be converted to nitrite by bacteria on your tongue. If you use mouthwash during race week, you kill those bacteria and lose the performance benefit. Also avoid tongue scraping and breath mints.
This article is part of the Stamox Timing & Dosage series.
Explore the complete Timing & Dosage guide →
Related Reading: Ironman Training and Beetroot Juice & Powder →
Ready to dial in your protocol?
Stamox Oxy-Plus delivers the whole-root matrix in every scoop — nitrates, betaine, betalains, and polyphenols.
