How BICARRB Helps Athletes Hold a Steady Pace - and Why Pacemakers Matter

In most endurance races, holding a steady pace can be the difference between a breakthrough performance and a disappointing finish. Even the best athletes struggle with the accumulation of fatigue, the onset of acidosis, and the mental challenge of keeping their rhythm when the lactic burn sets in. That’s where BICARRB, our precision-dosed bicarbonate supplement, can help.

The importance of pacing

Elite sportspeople know that races aren’t just about raw speed, but about a measured effort. Whether you’re chasing a PB in the 5k or pacing an 800m Diamond League race, controlling your effort across the distance is key. Go out too fast, and you risk blowing up. Go out too slow, and you leave too much in the tank.

Pacemakers are used at the highest level of athletics for exactly this reason: they set the tone, keep splits consistent, and allow the main contenders to focus on execution rather than second-guessing themselves. A good pacemaker can bring an entire field to life.

Even with perfect pacing, the body has limits. As exercise intensity climbs, hydrogen ions build up in the muscle, lowering pH and contributing to the sensation of burning legs and fatigue. This is where many runners falter, their body simply can’t buffer the acid fast enough to sustain the rhythm.

How BICARRB makes a difference

BICARRB provides a scientifically-backed way to support performance in these conditions. By increasing the body’s buffering capacity, it helps athletes delay the onset of acidosis, meaning they can:

  • Hold their target pace for longer
  • Finish with a stronger kick
  • Train and race with more confidence

For runners who depend on even splits, or who take on the responsibility of pacing others, this is game-changing.

Guy Learmonth: proof in practice

Few athletes embody the value of pacing more than Guy Learmonth, a household name in British athletics. The Lasswade AC star has broken multiple national junior records, won four British Indoor titles, and reached both Commonwealth and European finals.

2025 has brought its challenges, with Achilles and hamstring setbacks, but Guy has shown the grit and positivity that define his career. Now, with BICARRB in his corner, he’s rediscovering his trademark speed.

He opened his season with a 1:46.97 in Sondershausen before pacing the Lausanne Diamond League 800m, hitting 400m in a blistering 49 seconds despite pouring rain.

Afterwards, he told us:

“I used FLYCARB’s BICARRB last week at the Diamond League to hit that rapid split, and also in Germany. I ran very conservatively in Sondershausen since it was my first race back, but honestly wish I’d gone for it… my legs felt totally fine over the last 150m. BICARRB definitely works!”

That’s exactly what BICARRB is about: giving athletes the confidence and physiological support to run strong, hold their pace, and finish fast.

Takeaway

Pacing is one of the hardest, and most valuable, skills in running. Whether you’re leading a Diamond League field or chasing a new 10k best, keeping steady under fatigue is the key to success. With BICARRB, more athletes can experience that feeling of strength late in the race, when it matters most.

Head over to our shop to get your BICARRB now.

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