Triathlon and coffee

2015-09-16 10:02 AM

1731

Denver, Colorado

Subject: Triathlon and coffee

I do not want to open a discussion on coffee being good/bad in general, but rather ask a question to those who train for endurance sports - if it's helpful/beneficial.
And the reason I'm asking this question is that I read some of your race reports ("regular" triathlons and ironman-like) and so many of you have coffee. There are also nutrition plans with morning coffee.

I have been proudly coffee-free for two months (and two days). But I was having a lot of it - 4 to 5 cups a day, with tea between those coffee-sessions. And I added tons of sugar (about 3 tsp per cup). For the last two months I've been drinking green tea with no sugar. I do not have any coffee cravings (surprisingly!), but after seeing so many triathletes having a cup-a-day, I was thinking - why not. Disaster will not happen, right?

I guess moderation/balance is the key, but I also wanted to know your thoughts. Thanks and have a great day!
Mary

Left Brain

2015-09-16 10:06 AM

in reply to: marysia83

Pro

15655

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Coffee is a life sustaining nutrient essential for any activity.

rrrunner

2015-09-16 10:10 AM

in reply to: 0

Master

6595

Rio Rancho, NM

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

I agree that moderation is key. I do enjoy a cup, or two, in the morning. Usually esspresso, with low fat milk, no sugar. I do not have one before a normal week-day run. I do have a cup before a weekend long run or a race. Three main reasons... I like coffee, it's part of my routine and gives me a sense of "calm", I like the affects of caffeine on my performance, and finally the warm liquid helps get "the system" cleaned out before a race or long run (usually).

Edited by rrrunner 2015-09-16 10:10 AM

2015-09-16 10:18 AM

in reply to: 0

1731

Denver, Colorado

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by rrrunner

the warm liquid helps get "the system" cleaned out before a race or long run (usually).

This is interesting. I did not know that.
I do not feel any energy bust from caffeine, but I absolutely loooove the taste of coffee. This was my main and only reason I was drinking it. But I noticed in the middle of the day I felt so sleepy I was about to pass down in front of my computer at work... I was so weak I was barely walking. And it all was gone once I stopped with my 5-cups-a-day routine.
Mary

Edited by marysia83 2015-09-16 10:18 AM

trijamie

2015-09-16 10:31 AM

in reply to: marysia83

New user

1351

Austin, Texas

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

I actually only recently got into coffee. And by that I mean I'll drink a cup once every 2 weeks or so. There were days where I was feeling the burnout from working too much and stressing about my 12 mile run that evening, so a cup of coffee actually really helped keep my eyes open and legs moving.

RedCorvette

2015-09-16 10:32 AM

in reply to: marysia83

Champion

7036

Sarasota, FL

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

I get up at 5am during the week to either swim or run before work. My cup of coffee is what lets me get going without tripping over my own feet or running into walls.

I'll have one or two more cups in the morning at work, but never after lunch. Coffee in the afternoon guarantees that I will have problems sleeping that night..

Mark

mike761

2015-09-16 10:51 AM

in reply to: marysia83

Member

1748

Exton, PA

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by marysia83

Originally posted by rrrunner

the warm liquid helps get "the system" cleaned out before a race or long run (usually).

The feeling of passing out is most likely from the insulin spike not from the coffee. you get those spikes from carbs, like the sugar you are adding to the coffee. if you eat something like a sandwich for lunch (bread is carbs) this adds to it.

Of coarse 5 cups plus a day is probably too much caffeine. 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day should not be a problem at all.
I also use GU packs that have caffeine for races, I have definitely notice a performance difference using caffeinated vs non-caffeinated GU's

Goggles Pizzano

2015-09-16 12:31 PM

in reply to: marysia83

1300	Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee I have a cup every morning before going out to run. Unless I'm running more then an hour it's all I have before heading out. Never had an issue with it training or racing.

2015-09-16 2:10 PM

in reply to: Left Brain

1731

Denver, Colorado

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by Left Brain

Coffee is a life sustaining nutrient essential for any activity.

I want to have a coffee mug with this statement!

metafizx

2015-09-16 2:41 PM

in reply to: marysia83

Master

2855

Kailua, Hawaii

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

I think a few cups in the morning really is key especially for racing....just to get the pipes clean (as was said).

Donto

2015-09-16 3:00 PM

in reply to: marysia83

Pro

6582

Melbourne FL

Gold member

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by marysia83

Originally posted by Left Brain

Coffee is a life sustaining nutrient essential for any activity.

I want to have a coffee mug with this statement!

I always have at least one big cup in the morning before training and racing. And as stated above, its a colon simulate so that there's no unplanned cheek squeezing workout!

This is my morning cup.

Atlantia

2015-09-16 3:01 PM

in reply to: metafizx

Master

2429

Falls Church, Virginia

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by metafizx

I think a few cups in the morning really is key especially for racing....just to get the pipes clean (as was said).

For someone who doesn't drink coffee often, would this clearing effect happen....suddenly, shall we say? I've never been a coffee drinker, but would totally drink it before races if it would be a reliable way to keep my GI system in check.

2015-09-16 3:08 PM

in reply to: Donto

1731

Denver, Colorado

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by Donto

Originally posted by marysia83

Originally posted by Left Brain

Coffee is a life sustaining nutrient essential for any activity.

I want to have a coffee mug with this statement!

I always have at least one big cup in the morning before training and racing. And as stated above, its a colon simulate so that there's no unplanned cheek squeezing workout!

This is my morning cup.

This one looks AWESOME!
Mary

rrrunner

2015-09-16 3:08 PM

in reply to: Atlantia

Master

6595

Rio Rancho, NM

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by Atlantia

Originally posted by metafizx I think a few cups in the morning really is key especially for racing....just to get the pipes clean (as was said).

It's not instant, takes a few minutes and it's not guaranteed, I've had a few races it didn't help.

Also, it's any hot beverage, not just coffee.

2015-09-16 3:09 PM

in reply to: Atlantia

1731

Denver, Colorado

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by Atlantia

Originally posted by metafizx

I think a few cups in the morning really is key especially for racing....just to get the pipes clean (as was said).

My coffee-drinking habits are weird. I only drink at work. Weekends, vacations, etc... I have absolutely no need for coffee. My job is not stressful at all, I just like the taste. I guess..
Mary

Atlantia

2015-09-16 3:39 PM

in reply to: rrrunner

Master

2429

Falls Church, Virginia

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by Atlantia

Originally posted by metafizx I think a few cups in the morning really is key especially for racing....just to get the pipes clean (as was said).

It's not instant, takes a few minutes and it's not guaranteed, I've had a few races it didn't help.

Also, it's any hot beverage, not just coffee.

Really? That's good to know.

gsmacleod

2015-09-16 3:40 PM

in reply to: marysia83

Champion

9407

Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

My espresso machine currently looks like this so I'd rather not talk about coffee:

When it comes to coffee, usually a double shot or two in the morning, with one sometimes being a macc, capp or latte. Then a big mug or two (probably equal to two cups per serving) at work.

Shane

gsmacleod

2015-09-16 3:43 PM

in reply to: rrrunner

Champion

9407

Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by Atlantia

Originally posted by metafizx I think a few cups in the morning really is key especially for racing....just to get the pipes clean (as was said).

It's not instant, takes a few minutes and it's not guaranteed, I've had a few races it didn't help.

Also, it's any hot beverage, not just coffee.

http://youtu.be/U8Fqyyv16SM

Shane

dworth

2015-09-16 3:44 PM

in reply to: marysia83

304

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

I used to drink it, and as others have said, it will help to clean you out before a morning race or activity. With that said, I haven't had caffeine at all for a year. I can tell you that I after trial and error and a dew dietary changes, I don't need it. If your tired, then you should be resting your body more or possibly an energy related bar or GU minus caffeine if possible.

Also, I can say that every morning after I shower and start moving around for a few mins, and with the diet that i'm on, I still go regularly like I did with coffee/caffeine.

HTH

Donto

2015-09-16 4:10 PM

in reply to: gsmacleod

Pro

6582

Melbourne FL

Gold member

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by gsmacleod

Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by Atlantia

Originally posted by metafizx I think a few cups in the morning really is key especially for racing....just to get the pipes clean (as was said).

It's not instant, takes a few minutes and it's not guaranteed, I've had a few races it didn't help.

Also, it's any hot beverage, not just coffee.

http://youtu.be/U8Fqyyv16SMShane

LOL! I'm lucky I guess to be one of the 23%

Kido

2015-09-16 4:26 PM

in reply to: 0

Sensei

Sin City

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Funny this should post today. I was just thinking how much I LOVE coffee. Just a simple pleasure.

I don't NEED it, but it's more tradition to start the morning (and continue it) with good coffee. It comforting.

I have just about every brewing method contraption ever invented. Sort of hobby to collect ways to brew coffee - I easy have a cabinet dedicated to coffee contraption.

Just my 0.02 to the person who is down an espresso machine, get a 30 dollar Aeropress. It's a faux espresso that's pretty darned good. Make an Americano out of the resulting nectar and it's better than any standard drop coffee. The super fast extraction time leaves all the bitterness behind and you get a mellow/sweet coffee.

Oh, and it IS a MUST before races or early morning workouts. As others said, within 30-45 minutes, I'm getting rid of dead weight in the bathroom and I'm good to go.

Edited by Kido 2015-09-16 4:27 PM

jennifer_runs

2015-09-16 7:27 PM

in reply to: Kido

928	Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee If you regularly drink coffee, you won't receive any benefit from the caffeine on race day. My Race Log

Left Brain

2015-09-16 7:54 PM

in reply to: jennifer_runs

Pro

15655

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by jennifer_runs If you regularly drink coffee, you won't receive any benefit from the caffeine on race day.

Probably true......but if I don't drink coffee regularly I won't even be able to find the race site on race morning.

2015-09-16 9:33 PM

in reply to: gsmacleod

1731

Denver, Colorado

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Originally posted by gsmacleod

Originally posted by rrrunner

Originally posted by Atlantia

Originally posted by metafizx I think a few cups in the morning really is key especially for racing....just to get the pipes clean (as was said).

It's not instant, takes a few minutes and it's not guaranteed, I've had a few races it didn't help.

Also, it's any hot beverage, not just coffee.

http://youtu.be/U8Fqyyv16SM

Shane

That was too funny.... And now I cannot un-seen it haha

Mary

Hot Runner

2015-09-17 4:04 AM

in reply to: Left Brain

Master

8247

Eugene, Oregon

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Triathlon and coffee

Ha ha very true! I am NOT a morning person at all, but my life forces me to do most of my training, including some very intense workouts, at 5:XX in the morning. That would be extremely hard to do without a little caffeine in the system. It's a legal performance aid, few health drawbacks (and some benefits) have been shown for moderate use, and there are plenty of studies showing that it improves aerobic performance--exactly how is not too clear; that it also acts to reduce perceived exertion (presumably since it's a stimulant) is reason enough to have some before a race (assuming no dire GI consequences).

Personally I average about 2 cups a day, occasionally three--one before an early AM workout, one early in the workday (to recover from said workout LOL and give me the fortitude to be on my feet herding ten year olds all day); occasionally another before a PM workout if I'm really dragging. That being said, the latter's probably not such a good idea--if you're really depending on coffee to get through training, as others have said, it may be due to lack of sufficient rest/recovery. Plus having caffeine in the afternoon can affect quality/quantity of sleep at night. (In my case, it doesn't have a consistent effect.) It's just the reality that my normal workday is pretty physically demanding, and sometimes a PM workout (i.e. most of my swimming as I normally only have access after work) would not happen without some coffee beforehand. I don't really know what else to do about that. Have tried snacking and that is useful but not sufficient to insure a good session.

In competition, I normally have a cup of coffee a few hours before. I don't normally use caffeinated drinks or gels unless it's getting up to HIM length, or occasionally in an Oly run (because the gel I can most easily get down then happens to have it). In training, I only use them for runs pushing two hours and my longest rides (3 hours and up). I do notice an effect, particularly later in a long race, in terms of maintaining alertness and effort level.