There is some scientific research on sodium bicarbonate as a supplement. Gastric tolerance is probably the limiting factor.
https://www.ergo-log.com/four-best-supplements-for-runners.html
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When I prescribed these for patients, it was usually in the context of low sodium levels (a specific type which could be corrected with additional sodium) or those with very low pH levels (usually patients in extreme shock which resulted in high levels of acidity in the blood - inclusive of high lactic acid levels). These were, however, usually given intravenously, rather than as supplemental tablets or mixtures in solutions.
The theory here is that, during endurance exercise, we build up lactic acid in our muscles, which sometimes limits our ability to tolerate the exercise longer. The bicarb portion of sodium bicarb is supposed to combine with the acids and neutralize them.
Thus, the theoretical portion is sound, to some degree. There's going to be metabolism as the supplement goes through the gastrointestinal tract - this is where the gastric tolerance aspect kicks in - and then gets absorbed into the bloodstream, binding to other substrates, etc. It's not clear whether the absorbed sodium bicarb will actually reach the lactic acid that's build up in the muscles during exercise.
Let's see what happens!