Running and Caffeine

WAMarathoner

I know from personal experience that I run better with caffeine in my system. I usually include caffeine in my pre-run meal, usually a couple of hours before I hit the road. And I notice the difference when I don't.

My question has to do with caffeine WHILE running. Some of my runs get pretty long, in the two-to-three hour range, and I'm wondering if an extra jolt might help those last few miles. Has anyone experimented with that and how did it go?

I tried carrying some flat Coke with me, but it didn't work. No matter how long I left it out, it still had enough carbonation to make a mess when I ran. But now that SodaStream is out, it's really easy to get cola syrup. I was thinking about adding the syrup to cold water and carrying 10 oz. along with my regular PowerAde or Gatorade.

Any opinions?

wombat94

I find that caffeine helps when I am refueling. I don't drink the caffeine on the run though...I eat it. Lots of endurance fuel products have versions that have caffeine... Gu Roctane gel ans Sport Beans Extreme are two that I have tried.

arc918

When it comes to running long distance and fueling, we are each a "study with a sample size of one."

Flat Coke is a favorite of the ultra runners. Try some different things on your runs and see what makes you happy. I find that gels, gu, beans & blocks are very texture & flavor specific to each of us.

I'd also seem runners use No Doz of those chocolate covered espresso beans for a boost.

Bottom line, see what works for you so you can kick some *kitten* on race day.

bonjour24

i know you can also get caffeine tablets- they're called 'Pro-Plus' in the UK (or at least they were a few years ago!). i always pick the gu chomps with caffeine added. time for an experiment!

marathon64

There is some gu flavor with caffeine in it if you use that. OOPS duh two people already said that. Send me to the rear of the class.

DontThinkJustRun

I also drink a cup of coffee before all my runs, that generally is my pre-run "meal" unless I'm running over 12 then I'll add some food too. There are plenty of GU flavors with caffeine and 2xs caffeine, I prefer those for runs over 10 miles, otherwise coffee is all I need.

mlb929

I don't use caffeine in my life at any time except running. My boss bought "AreoShots" which are like Caffeine inhalers. They are a godsend at mile 20 I also love chocolate covered espresso beans on a run.

MoreBean13

I like the gu/gels that have caffeine in them.

I like the suggestion of chocolate covered coffee beans too. They're awesome, I've never thought to try it. Any tips for keeping them from melting?

KristenF101

"Sheets" are these caffeine sheets you put on your tongue. They're sort of like the dissolvable Listerine things.

You can get them at any pharmacy.