Caffeine

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.