General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Caffeine, friend or foe? Rss Feed  
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2013-03-27 4:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Caffeine, friend or foe?
Friend! I don't use caffeine regularly, but I sure do on race day.

I take mine in the form of Excedrin, 'cause I don't care for coffee.

I did use Excedrin throughout the day on a 130-mile ride last summer. Didn't bother me a bit.


2013-03-27 6:31 PM
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Subject: RE: Caffeine, friend or foe?
I wake up a little earlier than I need to on race day so I can enjoy my 1 cup of coffee per day (sometimes I have 2, but not often). It's calming and I can get things worked out before heading to the race. I hate having to use the port-o-johns.
2013-03-28 4:59 AM
in reply to: #4673367

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Subject: RE: Caffeine, friend or foe?

Caffeine is great and I find it really helps get me going. However, I did recently have to drastically cut down as I was drinking way too much tea (I am British after all) and was getting hyper and a bit grouchy. Caffeine gels are great now and again as well.

http://chasethepotato.wordpress.com/

2013-03-28 5:00 AM
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Subject: RE: Caffeine, friend or foe?
Friend.
2013-03-28 7:12 AM
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Subject: RE: Caffeine, friend or foe?
How do you take caffeine mid race and does it actually provide benefits?
2013-03-28 7:18 AM
in reply to: #4677464

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Subject: RE: Caffeine, friend or foe?

Gels containing caffeine--Cliff Turbo and some of the Powerbar gels have it. I believe there are also sports drinks and chews that contain caffeine. Back in the day, marathoners, including me, got their kicks from de-fizzed, sometimes diluted Coke.

I believe there is research supporting some modest performance gains for endurance events, just too lazy to look it up.  But people respond differently based on their physiology and probably prior use of caffeine, and you need to test the effects in training first. 



Edited by Hot Runner 2013-03-28 7:20 AM


2013-03-28 8:08 AM
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Subject: RE: Caffeine, friend or foe?

On race day a small amount can be your friend.  During my first few marathons, I'd notice that I'd get a really bad headache towards the end.  Initially I thought it to be dehydration, but it was actually just a caffiene headache.  A very small cup in the morning before leaving for the race has eliminated this issue.  That being said, I've pounded a huge cup of it before marathons as well, and it's had the opposite effect, with me being wired at the beginning then feeling dehydrated at the end.  It's true, balance is the key!

 

 

 

2013-03-28 12:41 PM
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Subject: RE: Caffeine, friend or foe?

Foe,   It seriously effs me up.

Zero nada zilch gooseegg null naught

Its irritating trying to find gels and such without it.

I'll let my body throttle my heart rate, not some stimulant

And headaches from ever missing a dose - eliminated



Edited by GottaSki 2013-03-28 12:43 PM
2013-03-28 1:01 PM
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Subject: RE: Caffeine, friend or foe?

odpaul7 - 2013-03-28 8:12 AM How do you take caffeine mid race and does it actually provide benefits?

Yes, and yes. Nothing like a roctane around miles 19-21 of a marathon to keep you going.

2013-03-28 1:10 PM
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Subject: RE: Caffeine, friend or foe?
MOlsen - 2013-03-25 3:52 PM

How about caffeine pills during the race?

That's kind of what I'm looking for, a valid option for during a race.  I hit a wall on Sunday at the start of my run and was thinking a nice little kick near the end of the bike would have helped.

Slowing your pace a bit at the end of the bike would prolly done more.. Or if it was a hot day, dousing yourself with come cold water.. I do sprints in FL summer and always have ice on hand to to a quick cool off on my way out of transition. It helps a lot!

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