Yesterday was National Coffee Day, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate after the fact! You know I love my coffee, and I’d love to give it a bit of a running spin! Coffee isn’t just a cozy ritual or sweet treat: it’s a tiny performance boost, a mental pick-me-up, and, let’s be honest, a great excuse to show up for your miles with a little extra pep in your step.
Coffee Can Be A Great Performance Booster
There’s no denying the mental boost that comes with coffee. That first sip signals the start of your day, wakes up your brain, and can even make the prospect of an early-morning run less intimidating. After that cup, you might notice that your usual morning run feels a little brighter, a little faster, and a lot more enjoyable.
How Much Coffee Is Too Much?
Moderation is key. One cup is usually plenty, and extra sugar or heavy cream can upset your stomach mid-run. And while a second cup can be tempting, be cautious: porta-potty panic is a very real running fear, especially after caffeine! You can save that second cup for later, or if you’re like me, use your coffee as a sweet treat after a run well done!
The Perfect Pre-Run or Post-Run Routine
Coffee can be part of a wonderful pre-run routine. Pair it with a banana, toast and nut butter, or even a bowl of oatmeal before you head out. This keeps energy steady and should help avoid mid-run stomach surprises. If you’re like me, you’ll have that coffee after the run, as a little reward for a job well done.
Coffee Can Give You A Mental Boost
As we all know, running isn’t just physical. It’s such a mental sport and sometimes we need all the help we can get. Coffee can boost alertness for early morning runs, lift your mood on chilly fall mornings, or make your pre-run ritual feel extra special (especially if you lean into holiday and seasonal flavors).
The Ugly Side Of Coffee & Running
Unfortunately, coffee can wreak havoc on even the most solid digestive systems. That natural stimulant can also increase contractions in your intestines, and if you add in dairy? Sometimes, it leads to the immediate urge to go. Have you ever experienced sheer panic when you’ve had your regular cup, hit the road, and felt that gurgle? It’s terrifying! Just be cautious, and always test your tolerance when you are close to a restroom!
Are you a coffee drinker? Do you take your coffee before or after running?
Join us next week —> What’s in your running kit?
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
And now, let’s welcome Jenny, from Runners Fly, as she joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs as co-host of Tuesday Topics! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts!
I love how much some people love their coffee, but despite loving the aroma of coffee brewing, I absolutely can not stand the bitter taste. When I ran with friends and we’d occasionally go to coffee after our run, I’d sometimes treat myself to a hot chocolate.
There are some coffees that hit me as very bitter, but others that are more mild and delicious. But that’s ok. It’s not a requirement to drink it!
Hot chocolate sounds delicious too!
I’m not a coffee drinker, but I do like caffeine! For a regular short run, I don’t have any caffeine (usually drinking Earl Grey tea afterwards). For a long run, I definitely will take a caffeinated gel about halfway through, and it REALLY gives me a boost.
It’s funny that your first two commenters are probably the only people in the world who don’t like coffee!
I will have to try the caffeinated gels again. I remember them causing me a little bit of tummy distress.
I have a sip of Diet Dr Pepper before I go out to run, but the coffee after.
And yes. It’s hilarious.
I do love my coffee. It’s a requirement before I run. I little it sweet and flavored.
For long runs and long races I take a caffeinated gel every 4 miles.
I prefer chocolate mile or hot cocoa after a run or race.
The caffeinated gels are a little rough on my stomach, but they sound amazing. Chocolate milk is also delicious. I also would argue for fudge bars on warm mornings 🙂