Athletes & The Coffee Problem

An athletes favorite morning ritual? No, it's not what you're thinking 💩

It's coffee.

This athlete-favorite could be a more expensive choice than we realize. Especially if you like to enjoy more than one cup in the morning, it is more-than-likely leading to some unintended consequences for runners.

The Costs

Your daily run to "coffeebucks" 😉 might be particularly costly. Think about it – do you recognize any of these effects?

1. Dehydration

One of the most significant downsides of traditional coffee is its dehydrating nature. Reaching for that second cup of joe is quietly depleting your body of the essential fluids needed for performance. Dehydration can leave you feeling fatigued, sluggish, and unable to have a comfortable run.

2. Caffeine Crashes

The post-coffee crash is a familiar foe for many athletes. The sudden energy dip that follows your caffeine high can be a massive roadblock after your training sessions. Athletes know the struggle of managing their energy levels, and caffeine crashes can severely hinder performance, especially over time.

3. Jitters and Nervousness

That jittery feeling you experience after consuming a cup of low-quality coffee isn't just uncomfortable; it's far from ideal for your recovery from training. Jitters and nervousness can increase stress levels and hinder the ability to relax both during and after workouts.

4. Acidic Stomach

The acidity of many coffee brands can also lead to digestive discomfort. The last thing you need is stomach troubles while you're pushing your physical limits during training. An acidic stomach can be a significant hindrance to your workout routine, leading to discomfort and decreased effectiveness. 

Your Potential Solutions

Now, if you're reading this and nodding in agreement, you might be wondering, "What can athletes do about these problems?"

Well, let's get into it.

1. Quitting Coffee Altogether

This solution sucks. But it is a solution nonetheless. While it might seem radical, quitting coffee entirely is an option. It's just not a very enjoyable option. This choice could resolve the issues related to depletion & caffeine crashes, while also ensuring your body remains well-hydrated. However, it's a significant step and may not be for everyone.

2. Limiting Coffee Consumption

If quitting coffee is too drastic a measure for you, perhaps you've considered forcing restrictions on your favorite morning beverage. Opt for one small cup each day, and challenge yourself to enjoy it without any added cream, sugar, or stuff. This will help with side effects, but will you actually just have one? We know ourselves pretty well here at LRC, and the answer for us is a resounding "nope."

3. Exploring Alternatives

If you've ever been to a grocery store, you'd notice there is an entire aisle with hundreds of coffee options. And guess what - they're all the same. Instead of quitting coffee altogether, we'd highly recommend researching alternative options. So you can enjoy your coffee without guilt.

Consider coffee options that are intended to hydrate, and give the body the resources it needs to perform. Long Run Coffee is the electrolyte infused solution we created for you, with this exact goal in mind. Enjoy your coffee, and worry no further.

Electrolyte Infused Coffee

This is what you came here for! 

Electrolyte infused coffee reduces feelings of fatigue, counteracts dehydration, and is a pH friendly formula so it's easy on the stomach.

Final Thoughts

Let's wrap this up. Standard coffee often comes at a high cost for athletes. Dehydration, caffeine crashes, jitters, and an acidic stomach can all hinder your athletic performance.

To counter these issues, you can either try to forgo your morning favorite, or choose a better coffee option, intended to Fuel Your Passion and make your running feel comfortable. 

Invest in your performance and well-being by making informed choices about your coffee consumption. Your journey to optimal athletic performance starts with every small decision, including the quality of your morning brew.