Caffeine and Running: Hold Off on That Cup Until After Your Run
Posted October 29th, 2006 at 12:00 PM by Afton Cohen
Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Nutrition, Hydration, Training Tips, Health & Fitness
Coffee. The aroma, the warmth, that first thought of so many in the morning.
Coffee beans, among others things like cocoa beans, cola nuts, and tea leaves all contain caffeine and are found in many common products.
According to the American Council on Exercise’s (ACE) Guide for Fitness Professionals:
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, making some people feel more awake and giving the others the jitters.
In affecting the body as such, it seems sensible to think that drinking coffee or consuming another caffeinated product would enhance one’s ability to perform athletically. However, there are many inherent consequences of this thinking (which I will discuss in detail later on in this post).
So much of the lack of physical activity in this country stems from an inherent deficiency of motivation; caffeine can provide what feels like a drive to push the body to move. After that cup of coffee in the morning one is more apt to start his day.
Therefore, for the runner, why not start one’s day in a similar manner and use caffeine to jumpstart a cardiovascular workout?
This article will briefly detail the characteristics attributed to caffeine intake and the positive or negative effects faced by the athlete who consumes it.
It seems innocent, and the ideas here are plausible, that caffeine intake should enhance the body’s ability to function and perform. The reality of the matter, however, is that caffeine, though a seemingly natural stimulant, does not have an altogether positive effect on the body.
In fact, ACE’s Guide includes that caffeine is among other banned substances by the United States Olympic Committee, citing that:
Though caffeine was once thought to be an ‘energy-enhancing’ or ergogenic aid, research has not continued to support that idea.
Additionally, caffeine has been linked to an elevation in blood pressure, an absolute danger in the life of an athlete who’s heart-rate significantly increases during athletic performance.
It is also important for runner’s to note that coffee, and other caffeinated beverages, can lead to gastroenterological problems. This is especially true for marathoners and other distance because their stomachs withstand a heavy and extended burden as a result of the up-and-down nature of running.
Ultimately, the rush felt by the onset of caffeine’s effect in the body should be considered counterproductive, and not, therefore, as an important augment to one’s work-out regime.
Instead, it may be considerably more beneficial to reach for a complex-carbohydrate-rich snack that also includes some protein (i.e. – some dried fruit and almonds) in order get a little boost before working out, running, etc.
This is not to say that caffeine cannot be consumed in a controlled manner, especially in a context that does not involve deliberate physical activity.
The effects that stem from caffeine, although not necessarily dangerous to the common person, can be a considerable threat in the realm of the fitness.
It as been said, that we are what we eat, and in understanding so, this notion should be seriously considered in the effort to perform physically.
For the runner who starts his or her day with a cup of coffee before hitting the pavement, think twice. The coffee will still be there upon your return. In addition - perhaps, just perhaps, waiting to have it after your run - will make it all the more enjoyable and worthwhile - and you have created your very own healthy (and safe) form of motivation.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Sources: Black, Steven, et al. Group Fitness Instructor Manual, ACE’s Guide for Fitness Professionals. San Diego: American Council on Exercise, 2004.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: American Council on Exercise, caffeine, coffee, energy enhancing, ergogenic aid, exercise, heart rate, motivation, physical activity, stimulant, United States Olympic Committee, USOC
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The Final Sprint