Organic Runner Mom

Caffeine and exercise or running

I squeezed the GU Into my mouth. Within a few minutes I felt my energy level amp up. It was the added caffeine. It was just what I needed in the final miles of the Boston Marathon to help ramp up my depleted energy level to help carry me across the famed finish line on Boylston Street.

Caffeine.

Do you use it when you work out or race?

I have become more of a caffeine lover recently. It’s crazy to me that during all of my years rowing I never used caffeine to help my rowing performance. Now I use caffeine before and during endurance workouts to help put an added pep in my step. I love that rush of caffeine, that jolt of energy.

What are the benefits of caffeine when you exercise or run?

What is caffeine?

According to Wikipedia “caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant.” Caffeine helps you to stay alert. Your body will develop a tolerance to caffeine over time so you may need to increase your intake over time to get the same effects. Caffeine is a legal stimulant so allowed for use in athletics and for regular daily use.

How will caffeine benefit exercise and running?

• Pre-workout caffeine can enhance performance.
• Perception of effort is decreased.
• Performance times may be faster.
• Caffeine boosts your mood and so increases your desire to work hard.
• Caffeine is rapidly absorbed so the results of its consumption are quick.
• According to Active.com,”Caffeine has also been found to delay fatigue during exercise by increasing the level of free fatty acids in the bloodstream and thereby boosting fat burning and conserving muscle glycogen.”

What are the drawbacks of caffeine during exercise and running?

• Caffeine can act as a diuretic.
• Caffeine can bring on the onset of headaches.
• Caffeine use can increase the risk of dehydration-although some studies have shown this to be untrue.
• It may take some time to come down from the caffeine high.
• Caffeine can make you dizzy.
• It can cause heart palpitations.
• Caffeine can cause stomach upset.

Java Jolt. A discussion about caffeine use for exercise and running #runchat #running #womensrunning #caffeine

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When is caffeine use optimal for exercise?

Caffeine use is optimal about 30-60 minutes before beginning exercise. It can also be used during exercise and running to help boost performance. Outside online shares that the,”optimal dose lies somewhere between 3 and 6mg/kg of body weight.”

It is helpful to practice using caffeine during your training so as to be sure of the effects that it may have on you. Caffeine can be taken during a race or workout as well to help with performance. Some athletes who regularly use caffeine during training find that they see optimal benefits from caffeine on race day if they abstain from its use leading up to the race.

GUs or Chews? What are some good ways to get your caffeine for exercise?

There are many ways to take in caffeine for exercise. You need to find the method that works best for you. Some runners prefer Red Bull. Other sources are coffee prior to your workout. Caffeine pills and Gels and chews that contain caffeine are also popular. My favorite gel with caffeine that I like to use is GU Roctane (each pouch contains 35 mg of caffeine). Run Gum, a caffeinated Chewing Gum is also a newer option.

I love using caffeine when I race. I find that it really gets me focused and energized to run my very best.

Do you use caffeine when you workout and run? What is your favorite way to intake caffeine?