Two-time olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden drinks three to four cups of coffee each day. “I'm a huge coffee fan,” Linden says (which should come as no surprise, since she and her husband own a coffee company: Linden x Two).
“I have two cups first thing in the morning, and it's beneficial in getting all systems - mind and body - up and running before I head out the door for my first run,” she adds.
Many of us (elite and non-elite) use caffeine to our benefit, as research has shown tha addition to perking you up, it can also make you faster and help you focus during your workouts. But as with any other performance food or drink, education is key to achieving maximum benefits; so we tapped experts and the latest research to tell you everything you need to know about your favourite energiser.
The benefits of caffeine for performance Unless you have a sensitivity, caffeine can be highly beneficial for most people, according to Todd Buckingham, PhD, exercise physiologist at Mary Free Bed Sports Rehabilitation Performance Lab.
[It's] shown to increase mental alertness and concentration and improve athletic performance by increasing time to exhaustion, so I often do recommend caffeine to my runner clients, as long as they tolerate it well,” says Angie Asche, sports dietician and owner of Eleat Sports Nutrition.
This story is from the March/April 2022 edition of Runner's World SA.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March/April 2022 edition of Runner's World SA.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FEUD FOR THOUGHT
As the Paris Olympics approaches, bringing healthy rivalries and lofty ideals to the fore, we shine a light on running's dark side.
WELCOME TO THE - GUT LAB
Between all of the social media 'hacks', the sensational promises and the scientific jargon, the path to better gut health can feel nearly impossible to navigate. Allow us to give you an insider's guide.
THE ULTRA GURUS
TAKING ON AN ULTRA requires both dedication and expertise. Here are three world-class experts to help you maximise your training, form and race-day mindset - and unleash the long-distance runner in you.
24 REASONS TO RUN IN 2024
How every step you take will change your life for the better this year.
ADVANCED HALF MARATHON TIPS
Expert advice on how to maximise your 21.1 potential.
YOUR BETTER HALF
Why - and howyou should run your best 21.1 right now.
IMPROVERS' TRAINING PLAN
Already have a half or two under your belt, and want to get faster? Here's how.
FIRST-TIMERS' TRAINING PLAN
Top tips, and a 12-week training schedule to guide you through your first half with a smile on your face.
READY TO START?
Thinking about doing your first 21.1km race? Our experts have the answers to your training questions.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS