Run-Down Forums

[Guest]

I have heard a lot about the benefits of using caffeine with energy gels. I used one this weekend on a long run (a Carbboom Vanilla-Orange flavor) and it seemed to work really well.

What are your experiences using caffeinated gels instead of regular gels ???

[Dan]

I've never tried caffeine in gels (I find gels to be rather silly, just expensive little packages of frosting), but lots of people find caffeine helpful in general, so I see no reason why that would be any different.

Dan

[Hammer]

I have experienced some problems with caffeine in training. Some of my runners have experienced abdominal aches and even some vomiting. The athletes with strong stomachs races well with caffeine. I believe some of their achievements could be due to the belief that they would run better on caffeine.

[Dan]

When I tried a ephedrine/ma huang/caffeine concoction briefly for allergy problems, I definitely noticed some stomach discomfort. I do have a very sensitive system, so that follows.

Dan

[Hammer]

I also think it depends on how the caffeine enters the system (pill, gel,..) I even read somewhere about drinking flat cola to get an energy kick (sugar and caffeine) without side affects of carbonated water.

Any thoughts???

[Dan]

I tried that for a while -- flat coke mixed with water (about 50/50) -- and can't say I really noticed any performance boost. Studies showed it to make a pretty significant difference for extended kicks in races between a mile and 10k, but I noticed nothing for 1500/800 type stuff. I don't recall it agitating my stomach at all, though.

Dan

[Guest]

I had MAJOR stomach problems doing cola products during an ironman- way too much simple sugar- you might as well drink gatorade ! stick with gel for your caffein and you will be much better off.