What are the most popular supplements that runners take, these days? When I first ran the marathon in 1981, I just went by what Frank Shorter said in an interview, that he took a good multivitamin. I came across an article about BCAA's and I must say that I am impressed by how much they enhance recovery from runs. I can run 7-9 miles, in 7-7:30 pace, take some BCAA's, and not feel the fatigue and muscle tension that I used to, and I am over 60. I wish these were available back in the day, not only for performance, but recovery as well.