Running on Good Vibes

Every spring, the streets of Bratislava come alive with pounding footsteps, questionable fitness fads, and an inspiring wave of determination.  Yes, it’s time for the ČSOB Bratislava Marathon, that magical weekend when thousands of people collectively decide that running 42,195 km sounds like a fantastic idea.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or someone who prefers cheering with a coffee in hand, the marathon is hard to ignore. But this year, there are a couple of other trends sprinting alongside the runners.

From Creatine to Cold Plunges: What’s Trending?

Creatine: Not Just for Gym Bros Anymore

Let’s start with creatine—the supplement that has officially broken free from the gym and joined the running crowd. For years, creatine has been associated with people lifting heavy weights and staring intensely into mirrors, it’s now being discussed by marathon runners looking for better recovery and that tiny performance boost. Recently, it’s also been trending as a daily supplement for overall health.

Creatine is a naturally occurring substance that helps your muscles produce energy, especially during short bursts of activity. Some runners are exploring creatine for recovery, muscle support, and overall performance.

Interestingly, creatine is also gaining attention for its potential cognitive benefits.  Research suggests that because the brain relies heavily on a steady supply of energy in the form of ATP, creatine supplementation may help improve mental performance, particularly in situations involving sleep deprivation, stress, or demanding cognitive tasks. Some studies have found modest improvements in memory, reaction time, and problem-solving ability, especially in people with lower baseline creatine levels, such as vegetarians. While it’s not a miracle brain booster, it’s another reason why creatine is moving beyond the gym and into everyday conversations about both physical and mental performance.

Ice Baths

But creatine is just the beginning.  Of course you’ve heard of the Wim Hof Method?  It involves breathing exercises, meditation, and most famously cold exposure.   Yes, ice baths.  In Slovakia. Voluntarily.

Some runners swear by it for mental toughness and recovery, and there is growing scientific interest to support these claims. Research suggests that regular cold exposure may help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and speed up muscle recovery after intense exercise.  Studies have also shown that controlled breathing techniques, like those who are Wimhoffing, can influence the autonomic nervous system, potentially reducing stress and improving focus.  Others try it once and decide that a warm blanket is a better lifestyle choice.

If you spend enough time around runners, you’ll quickly realise that everyone has a very strong opinion about food.

On one side, you have the Carnivore Diet, a meat-only approach that eliminates plant foods, though current research suggests such restrictive diets may lack essential nutrients like fibre and certain vitamins.  On the other side, there’s Veganism, which focuses on plant-based nutrition and sustainability, and has been associated in studies with benefits such as improved heart health and lower risk of certain chronic diseases when well planned.

And right in the middle?  A lot of runners just trying to figure out what to eat before a 20 km training run without regretting it halfway through.

Then there’s the broader world of “biohacking”, optimising your body using science, data, and sometimes slightly futuristic ideas. This includes things like sleep tracking, recovery gadgets and even Peptide Therapy.

Peptides are often discussed in high-performance circles for recovery and muscle support, and early research suggests that certain peptides may help stimulate tissue repair and muscle growth.  However, most of these findings come from controlled clinical or laboratory settings, and there is still limited evidence on their long-term safety and effectiveness for everyday fitness enthusiasts.  As a result, they remain a complex and evolving area.

But Should Marathon Runners Use It?

Traditionally, marathon runners focused on carbs, hydration, and mental strength (and maybe a bit of stubbornness). What makes the ČSOB event so special?  From first-time runners to experienced athletes, the atmosphere is electric.  You’ll see people smiling, struggling, laughing, and occasionally questioning their life choices somewhere around kilometre 30.

Trends like creatine come and go, but the fundamentals of health remain surprisingly simple:
– Move your body regularly
– Eat well (yes, carbs are your friend)
– Rest and recover
– And enjoy the process

Final Thoughts: Run Your Own Race

Whether you’re inspired to sign up for next year’s marathon or just thinking about taking the stairs instead of the elevator, remember that fitness doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective.  At The Bridge, we love seeing how global trends (even quirky ones!) connect with real-life experiences here in Bratislava. Because learning, just like running, is all about progress, not perfection.

So next time you hear about a new fitness trend, ask yourself:
“Does this help me feel stronger, healthier, or happier?”

And if the answer is yes… well, that’s a pretty good finish line.

Written by: Claudie Maree / Edited by: Vanessa Kimličková