Why Astreas? A Cycling Coach's Search for Clean Energy and Focus
An introduction from Coach Thomas on performance, focus, and finding a cleaner way to feel centered when it counts.
Meet Coach Thomas
I'm excited to be working with Astreas on their Coach's Corner, and wanted to use my first post to introduce myself, and explain why I'm hooked on Astreas.
I've been a professional cycling coach for close to 30 years. I've worked with competitive cyclists, runners, and triathletes from the amateur level to professionals. I became a certified Elite Level 1 USA cycling coach in 2001, worked as a Joe Friel associate, and wrote the book Base Building for Cyclists in 2006.
My coaching philosophy is to help athletes better use their time and energy through training at proper intensities, while getting adequate quality nutrition. I emphasize maintaining a balance between exercising and other life activities. I'm currently working on a new book about how to get, and stay, active and healthy. You can read more about me at CoachThomas.com.
My Ongoing Struggle With Energy and Focus
As an amateur athlete, coach, and someone with the attention span of a Golden Retriever in a squirrel farm, I've struggled with focus during challenging workouts, and when trying to complete work or life projects. For years I relied on Adderall, and then Red Bull, to elevate my energy and focus.
Why I Stopped Taking Adderall
Adderall worked well for keeping me focused, but led to heart rates much higher than normal during exercise sessions. My doctor informed me that could result in damaging my heart, so I stopped taking Adderall and switched over to Red Bulls.
Why I Gave Up Red Bull
Using Red Bulls led to energy crashes, and something my cardiologist described as "extra heart beats", or PVC's. I'd be laying on the sofa after a ride and my chest would jump with a short rapid movement from my heart. So, I stopped drinking Red Bulls, and those extra heart beats went away.
Discovering Astreas
A few years later I was coaching Shahreen, and she showed up with an energy snack she had created called Astreas. I tried it and found it increased both my energy and focus, but haven't had any of the unwanted side effects I experienced with Adderall and Red Bull.
A Balanced Formulation
I've found that the combination of Citicoline, L-Theanine, and caffeine create an ideal balance of energy and focus stimulation without making me feel jittery or exhausted afterwards.
My Routine: How and When I Use Astreas
I've personally found that taking an Astreas about 20 minutes before I need to be ready for a challenging workout, or task, works best and helps my body and mind feel centered and present. I don't use, or recommend using, any other energy related products along with Astreas.
The level of stimulation I get from Astreas is ideal, and adding other stimulant related products could make me jittery. I will, of course, include hydration and additional caloric intake as needed.
A Cleaner Alternative to Energy Drinks and Nicotine Pouches
These days everyone is looking for a performance edge. Energy drinks are convenient, but may have unhealthy consequences. Even nicotine pouches are becoming popular, but are addictive, and can harm your cardiovascular system.
I've found that Astreas feels like a safe, and effective, way to give me a lift when needed. If this all sounds like a testimonial for Astreas, it is. Like many competitive individuals I've been searching for the right nutritional energy source, and feel like I've landed on it with Astreas.
I spent years eating energy bars that felt like chewing hay, or consuming sugary drinks that were difficult to swallow. I've struggled to find a healthy alternative to bring myself into the moment, and Astreas does that for me without the shortcomings.
What's Next on the Coach's Corner
In the upcoming weeks I'll be posting brief articles about ways we can all improve our health and fitness routines, or how to get started on a healthier lifestyle. We'll also be including interviews with Doctors, Olympians, Astronauts, Firemen, and other high performing individuals that have tried Astreas. So, sign up, and stay tuned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Astreas is an energy and focus snack created by Shahreen, an athlete Coach Thomas was coaching. It is designed to provide a lift in energy and focus.
Astreas combines Citicoline, L-Theanine, and caffeine. Coach Thomas finds that this combination delivers balanced energy and focus for him, without feeling jittery or crashing afterward.
Coach Thomas takes one about 20 minutes before a demanding workout or task, so he feels centered and present when it counts.
Coach Thomas does not combine Astreas with other energy products and does not recommend it, because adding more stimulants could cause jitters. He still includes hydration and extra calories as needed.
No. This post reflects Coach Thomas's personal experience only and is not medical advice. Talk with your own doctor before making changes to anything you are currently doing.
