For many runners, the day doesn’t start until the coffee’s brewed. But beyond the familiar comfort of your morning cup, coffee can be a powerful ally in your running training routine. From sharpening your focus during long runs to speeding up recovery, coffee brings magic to running. We will explore a few benefits of coffee to your training routine.
Coffee Brings Magic to Running, Long or Short
Coffee is not for everyone. It’s too dark, bitter, strong, or overwhelming. To others, it’s the best thing of the morning. Skipping coffee can lead to a rough day. It’s worth a shot to see how it effects your runs. Remember to always consult a physician before adding coffee to your exercise routine.
Here’s how coffee can help take your training to the next level:
- Caffeine Enhances Performance – Caffeine is a proven performance enhancer, which helps you feel more alert and less fatigued. Multiple studies show that consuming caffeine before endurance exercise can improve performance by increasing stamina, reducing perceived exertion, and delaying fatigue. That means you may be able to push a little harder or go a little farther in your workouts.
- Improved Focus – Whether you’re tackling a long solo run or grinding through tempo intervals, staying mentally sharp is crucial. Caffeine has been shown to improve cognitive function, including reaction time, concentration, and mood. This can help you stay focused and positive, especially when your legs start to tire.
- Boosts Fat Oxidation – If you train in a fasted state, coffee may be particularly helpful. Caffeine encourages your body to use fat as a fuel source, which can help improve fat metabolism to optimize energy use and build endurance.
- Aids Post-Run Recovery – Coffee doesn’t just help before and during your run. It can help afterward too. Caffeine with carbohydrates post-run, has been shown to increase the rate of muscle glycogen replenishment. This means your body can restock its energy stores faster, helping you recover faster.
- Makes Early Morning Runs Easier – A pre-run cup of coffee can help ease the transition from sleep to movement, giving you a physical and mental jumpstart. Plus, it can help get your digestive system moving, which many runners appreciate before heading out the door.
Believe in the Magic of Coffee Even if it’s All Mental
Coffee brings magic to running when when used strategically. As with all training tools, it’s important to experiment and see what works best for your body. Coffee can make running easier by enhancing your experience physically. Your legs may be able to push a little harder. Or maybe the benefits are providing that mental clarity. Even if the perception of coffee helping is all mental, it may help you get through that next run. Remember to drink in moderation and run strong!