Sport-Specific Peptide Protocols: From Endurance to Power

Andrew Davenport, Co-Founder, Vitality Labz•Athletic Performance

Published February 2025

Different sports place unique demands on the human body, and after working with athletes across virtually every discipline, I've learned that peptide protocols should be as specialized as training programs. A marathon runner's cellular needs differ dramatically from a powerlifter's, and successful peptide strategies must account for these sport-specific requirements.

Understanding Sport-Specific Demands

Before diving into specific protocols, it's crucial to understand how different sports stress the body:

Endurance Sports

• • Mitochondrial stress

• • Oxidative damage

• • Electrolyte imbalances

• • Prolonged inflammation

• • Metabolic fatigue

Power Sports

• • Muscle fiber damage

• • Acute inflammation

• • Neurological fatigue

• • Joint stress

• • Short-term energy depletion

Endurance Sport Protocols

Running, Cycling, Swimming, Triathlon

Endurance athletes require protocols that support sustained energy production, mitochondrial health, and recovery from prolonged stress.

Primary Peptide Focus: NAD+ for Cellular Energy

Research suggests NAD+ may support mitochondrial function and cellular energy production—crucial for endurance performance.

Typical Protocol:

• • Daily NAD+ supplementation for consistent cellular energy support

• • BPC-157 for ongoing tissue maintenance

• • TB-500 during high-volume training phases

Periodization Strategy

• Base Phase: NAD+ + BPC-157 for foundation building

• Build Phase: Add TB-500 for increased training load support

• Peak Phase: Focus on NAD+ for energy and BPC-157 for maintenance

• Recovery Phase: Emphasize TB-500 and BPC-157 for tissue repair

Endurance Protocol Considerations

• Timing around long training sessions

• Emphasis on recovery between sessions

• Support for metabolic flexibility

• Anti-inflammatory support for chronic stress

Power and Strength Sport Protocols

Powerlifting, Olympic Lifting, Strongman

Power athletes need protocols focused on tissue repair, joint health, and recovery from high-intensity training.

Primary Peptide Focus: BPC-157 + TB-500 for Tissue Support

Research suggests this combination may support tissue repair and joint health—critical for athletes handling heavy loads.

Typical Protocol:

• • BPC-157 for joint and connective tissue support

• • TB-500 for muscle repair and flexibility

• • NAD+ for cellular energy and recovery

Training Cycle Integration

• Accumulation: BPC-157 + TB-500 for joint health

• Intensification: Maintain tissue support, add NAD+ for energy

• Realization: Focus on BPC-157 for joint protection

• Deload: Emphasize TB-500 for tissue recovery

Team Sport Protocols

Football, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey

Team sport athletes face unique challenges: unpredictable impacts, varied energy demands, and frequent competition.

Balanced Approach: All-System Support

Team sports require comprehensive support for energy, recovery, and injury prevention.

Typical Protocol:

• • NAD+ for sustained energy through long seasons

• • BPC-157 for injury prevention and joint health

• • TB-500 for rapid recovery between games

Season Periodization

• Pre-Season: Build foundation with all three peptides

• In-Season: Maintain with reduced doses, focus on recovery

• Playoffs: Emphasize BPC-157 for injury prevention

• Off-Season: Recovery focus with TB-500 and cellular repair

Combat Sport Protocols

Boxing, MMA, Wrestling, Martial Arts

Combat athletes face unique stressors: weight cutting, impact damage, and intense training camps.

Recovery and Protection Focus

Combat sports demand protocols that support rapid healing and tissue protection.

Typical Protocol:

• • BPC-157 for tissue protection and gut health (important during cuts)

• • TB-500 for bruise and soft tissue recovery

• • NAD+ for energy and mental clarity

Fight Camp Integration

• Early Camp: All peptides for comprehensive support

• Mid Camp: Emphasize recovery peptides as intensity increases

• Final Weeks: Focus on BPC-157 for protection

• Post-Fight: Recovery emphasis with TB-500

Individual Sport Protocols

Tennis, Golf, Track and Field

Individual sports often involve repetitive motions, technical precision, and varied energy demands.

Tennis Players

• BPC-157 for elbow, shoulder, and wrist support

• TB-500 for overall tissue maintenance

• NAD+ for match energy and recovery

Golfers

• BPC-157 for back and joint health

• Focus on tissue maintenance over power

• NAD+ for mental clarity and consistency

Track and Field

• Sprinters: Power sport protocol

• Distance Runners: Endurance sport protocol

• Throwers: Power sport protocol with joint emphasis

• Jumpers: Balance of power and injury prevention

Age and Experience Considerations

Young Athletes (18-25)

• Focus on injury prevention and recovery support

• Conservative dosing and cycling

• Emphasis on education and proper protocols

Masters Athletes (35+)

• Comprehensive protocols addressing slower recovery

• Longevity peptides like Epitalon may be considered

• Joint health becomes increasingly important

Timing and Administration

Pre-Training

• NAD+ for energy support (30-60 minutes before)

• BPC-157 for joint protection

Post-Training

• TB-500 for recovery initiation

• BPC-157 for tissue repair support

Evening/Recovery

• TB-500 for overnight recovery

• Epitalon for longevity support (when applicable)

Monitoring and Adjustment

Performance Indicators

• Recovery between sessions

• Injury frequency and severity

• Training load tolerance

• Competition performance

• Subjective wellness scores

Adjustment Triggers

• Increased injury risk

• Declining performance

• Poor recovery metrics

• Changes in training phase

• Competition schedule changes

Safety and Legal Considerations

Important: Competitive athletes should verify that any peptides they use comply with their sport's anti-doping regulations. Rules vary by organization and change over time.

WADA Considerations

• Many peptides exist in regulatory gray areas

• Rules vary by sport and level of competition

• When in doubt, consult with sports medicine professionals

• Consider alternative legal options when necessary

Sport-specific peptide protocols represent the cutting edge of athletic performance support. By matching peptide strategies to the unique demands of your sport, you can optimize recovery, reduce injury risk, and support peak performance. Remember that the best protocol is one that's tailored to your individual needs, competition schedule, and goals.

Andrew Davenport is the co-founder of Vitality Labz Peptides and has spent over a decade researching human optimization and longevity.

Connect with Andrew: [email protected]

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen.