Trail Running ForumCaffeine
Do you use much in terms of caffeine for your trail running performance?
Some people thrive on it, while others bonk on it.
Where do you stand?
Do you use much in terms of caffeine for your trail running performance?
Some people thrive on it, while others bonk on it.
Where do you stand?
I can’t say that I use much in terms of caffeine to help with my trail running performance, but I do know of people who use caffeine products who have found that it gives them a mental boost as well as an endurance boost, and they swear by using caffeine products, so it for sure does seem to work for some people.
I think caffeine can help with energy and focus during long runs, but it affects everyone differently. I usually feel like using the toilet when I drink too much.
I tend to drink just a small cup of coffee on big run days, otherwise I’ll have to use the restroom a lot.
But I can do gels with caffeine in them without having issues with using the restroom. So, I stick to using gels with it in them on those days.
I do take coffee on the days I'm low on energy but I don't depend on it. Yes, coffee can be a huge boost for some people including me.
I think taking caffeine before trail run is taking a very high risk because you are gambling with your stomach. I took a very strong black coffee thinking it would give me the energy I needed. On getting to the middle of the journey, my stomach started to rumble. I had to stop immediately.
Caffeine can be of great help but too much of it can make you shaky and it can mess you up. Taking a very little amount is reasonably ok.