Nitrate and Exercise Performance in Middle to Older Aged Adults

Inclusion Criteria: * Competitive runner or cyclist. * Able to pedal a stationary bike. * Engage in moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week or engage in strenuous physical activity for at least 75 minutes per week. * Able to provide own transportation to study testing visits. * Able to provide own transportation to study testing visits. * Able to consume study beverages. * Willingness to provide informed consent and participate in the intervention. Exclusion Criteria: * tobacco user (smoke or chew) * participating in another intervention research study * diabetes (type 1 or 2) * atrophic gastritis * hypo-or hyperthyroidism * gout * history of kidney stones * history of hypotension * aversion to the study-related testing procedures * allergy/sensitivity/aversion to beetroot beverages * medical conditions with contraindications for engaging in the vigorous aerobic exercise * current treatment for cancer * thyroid disorders, * cardiovascular disease, * chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, * inflammatory bowel diseases * impaired liver or kidney function * taking phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors * taking nitroglycerin or nitrate preparations * taking proton pump inhibitors * taking medication for hypothyroidism