It's not something I really advocate or am proud of, but before almost every run since 2006, I've gone to the ol' artificial energy source. Caffeine! I'm not a coffee drinker, so I usually pop a Vivarin, which has approximately the same caffeine content as one cup of coffee.
When I first started running, I did it because I felt like I needed the energy boost. I was kind of embarrassed to admit it, but it really seemed to help. After a Vivarin, I felt more alert and energetic for the run. And I didn't seem to hit the wall as often, or at all.But as I did more research, it appeared to be a fairly accepted practice in the running community. An article at www.active.com stated, "In one study, elite runners improved their time in a treadmill run to exhaustion by 1.9 percent with caffeine. Caffeine boosted time to exhaustion in a cycling test by 15 minutes in another study. And in a study involving swimmers, caffeine was found to enhance performance in maximal-effort swims of up to 25 minutes' duration."
And in a 2009 Runners World article, Liz Applegate Ph.D. wrote, "In a study done last year, researchers gave cyclists an energy bar with or without caffeine(equal to one cup of coffee) before and during a long, hard ride. They found that cyclists who have caffeine ride farther and think faster on cognitive tests than the no-caffeine group—useful news to runners in endurance events and adventure races, where quick decision-making is key."It also seems like energy gels are becoming more caffeinated. The PowerBar gel pictured at the left is the one I'm using for my race this weekend. It has 2X Caffeine, or 50mg added in. I've recently used Stinger Gels, and really like them because they're all natural. But they taste like a shot of pure honey, and just don't seem to have the same kick of caffeinated gels.
I would never use any kind of performance enhancer like HGH or steroids ... I mean c'mon, this is just a hobby right? I don't even take a multi-vitamin. And I know some runners would never use caffeine for personal or religious reasons, and view caffeine as a drug. I'm not smart enough, or maybe socially conscience enough to agree or disagree with those points of view. I certainly understand the negative views toward caffeine. But for the most part, I haven't found anything that works quite as well, or as fast for me.
I would love to hear your thoughts on it!
... be great today!
It does seem harder to find non caffeinated gels than it is to find the caffeine added ones. I use it, especially when I am racing, I noticed the additional kick and am a believer :)
ReplyDeleteCoffee drinker...big coffee drinker so I don't think I notice when I use caffinated gels...I'm already super boosted and still slow. :)
ReplyDeleteHi. My name is C2Iowa and Im a coffee/tea drinker. Everyone responds with Hi. Being a slow-a@@ runner; I need all the help I can get.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteCoffee and I are very close. I'm enjoying coffee's company now as I type. Sip. Now, normally I don't like to drink coffee before runs but I've sort of eased up on that, although I definitely don't like drinking it before long runs. It can do a number on my stomach so even if I drink coffee I'll stop a bit before I start my run. Not sure if the caffeine even does my any good by that point.
I used to pop Vivarins like candy. When I was in college, I was on the student newspaper and there were times we'd be putting out the paper at like 2, 3, 4 in the morning so the Vivarins always gave me a pick-me-up (yes, plural, I'd usually take two at a time). Also, when my sleep apnea got really bad I'd need some Vivarins at like 9 or 10 am to prevent from falling asleep. It's then when I realized I needed medical help, was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, got a CPAP... but the Vivarins did help me get through those times as well. Never thought about it before a run though. Interesting.
I just used GU's Roctane for the first time, two weekends ago and used another of it for my race on Sunday. It has 2X caffeine and you can definitely feel it. I liked it and will buy some more of it.
I don't have a problem with caffeine at all. It provides a bit of a boost, and there's nothing wrong with that as far as I'm concerned.
Lots of my running friends use coffee before a run. It probably can't hurt and might help? I drink coffee here and there, but never before a run...my system tends to be a bit active anyhow and I don't need caffeine to overstimulate it.
ReplyDeleteI drink coffee before a run. I also use caffeinated gels during long runs and a race!
ReplyDeleteif I run in the early morning... I drink a 5 hour energy... I've even used these in the latter portion of ultras for a little boost
ReplyDeleteNo coffee for me. I'm quite hyper enough! :)
ReplyDeleteI tried the caffeinated Sport Beans, but they really upset my stomach. The non-caffeine ones don't. Strange, huh?
I have heard that caffeine would give you a boost during a run but have never known anyone to pop vivarin. I have issues with diet soda am probably getting pletny o' caffeine that way.
ReplyDeleteI think it is all just about whatever works for you. Everyone is so different and it is impossibly to predict what is "right". I don't use a lot of caffiene but do like to use a caffienated gel towards the end of a race. I'm pretty sure it is all mental but running is pretty much 90% mental for me anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, I always drink a cup of coffee right before going out the door for a run. In the summer I put some caffeine enhanced beverage in my water bottle on bike rides (sometimes I drink Red Bull...) and it's an awesome pick me up!
ReplyDeleteI don't run on caffeine but I will now :P
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with caffeine, obviosuly depending on the person. The problem is that coffee doesn't work, according to the studies, so you have to use one of the more processed products, which I don't care for.
ReplyDeleteI used to get up earlier to get my cup in and now I dont because well it affects my stomach in a bad way but I do take sports beans with cafeine in them for the long runs and that is easier on my GI track.
ReplyDeleteI do drink coffee at home
2 per day
I am not supposed to but I refuse to give that up.
I'm not opposed to caffeine, and I have taken some gels that contain caffeine, but I am currently into my fourth week of no caffeine. Period. I read an article in a racing magazine that said they are linking some of the sudden heart attacks that are occuring in the racing world to caffeine intake. I can't find the article now, but when I do, I will send you the link. I know it had to do with a certain amount but I can't remember the amount. It was interesting and I am curious to know how much research has gone into it.
ReplyDeleteI am not a coffee drinker (heavy drinker of tea, iced and hot), but I do try to have a cup before a race (not training runs). And I'm really into the caffeinated shot bloks. I plan to use them in all my long runs and my next marathon. I agree that caffeine gives me an edge. I have a touchy stomach too, but if I've watched my eating carefully I can do coffee etc. without causing issues.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have even given it a second thought. Some people have coffee, some people have caffeinated beverages, some have gels - it's not like you're taking steroids or blood doping.
ReplyDeleteoh yeah, bring on the coffee before anything happens in my mornings.....not just 1 cup, more like 2-3 for me. It takes a lot to get this engine going. lol
ReplyDeleteI've never done coffee or a caffeine product before a run. But maybe I should try it to see if it helps me some. I am guilty of eating chocolate before a run. A miniature Snickers, KitKat or even a Resses cup. Yummy!
ReplyDeleteI'm a caffeinated running - I drink a diet coke on the way to ever race. Bad habit? Eh, probably, but I'm sure it could be worse! :)
ReplyDelete